Synopsis
On September 5, 2025, a Cessna A188B, registration HK1971, was involved in a runway excursion during landing at Aeródromo Los Gansos (SQGI) in Santa Rosalía, Vichada, Colombia. The single-engine aircraft, operating as an agricultural aviation flight, had departed from El Encanto airfield (SKNT) at approximately 07:30 local time (12:47 UTC) bound for La Escondida airfield (SQLN), 18 nautical miles southwest. The pilot intended to centralize operations for spraying rice crops. The aircraft carried 54 gallons of fuel and no chemical product.
Flight and Weather Diversion
About seven minutes into the flight, the pilot observed deteriorating weather with reduced visibility, low cloud ceiling, and heavy precipitation along the planned route and the return path. He decided to divert to Los Gansos airfield, a runway he had used previously.
Landing and Runway Excursion
At approximately 07:47 local time, the pilot aligned with runway 04 and landed. During the landing roll, after about seven seconds, the aircraft exhibited a pronounced tendency to turn to the right. The pilot applied left rudder pedal but could not achieve the expected corrective effect. The aircraft exited the runway to the right, colliding with a perimeter fence and a drainage ditch. The collision fractured the left main landing gear. The aircraft came to a stop; the pilot shut down the engine and evacuated unassisted, reporting no injuries. No fire occurred.
Investigation and Damage
The accident occurred in daylight and VMC conditions. The Directorate of Technical Accident Investigation (DIACC) of Colombia was notified. Due to potential public order concerns, the operator’s safety department collected initial evidence; later inspections were conducted after the aircraft was moved to a secure location. The accident was notified to ICAO and the NTSB as the state of design.
Damage to the aircraft included structural deformation of the left wing, fracture of the left main landing gear leg and separation of its wheel, sudden engine stoppage due to propeller blade impact with terrain, dents on the right wing lower surface from fence contact, and structural deformation of the left stabilizer and elevator. No pre-impact engine malfunction was reported by the pilot.
Runway and Pilot Information
Los Gansos airfield has a single 875-meter by 10-meter runway oriented 04/22, with a reference code of 1A. The runway surface was compacted earth, in good condition, with no observed deterioration that could have contributed to the loss of control. Excursion marks were noted 300 meters from the threshold of runway 04, showing a deviation to the right. The aircraft came to rest at a heading of 148°, 8 meters from the runway centerline.
The aircraft was airworthy and properly documented. The pilot held valid licenses and medical certificate, with recurrent training current. Alcohol and drug tests were negative for psychoactive substances.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation has all factual information. Additional inspections of the aircraft structure, flight controls, and evaluation of meteorological conditions using GPS satellite data will be conducted to determine operational, organizational, and flight-planning aspects. A final report will be issued after review and analysis.