Emergency Landing in Sugarcane Field Following Engine Failure in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Cali, CO

A Piper PA-34 220T operating as an air ambulance performed an emergency landing in a field near Palmira after experiencing a sudden loss of power in its left engine.

What happened

On February 9, 2026, a Piper PA-34 220T, registration HK4754, was conducting a non-scheduled commercial air ambulance flight on a route from Popayán to Cali. The flight began without incident, following a standard departure from Guillermo León Valencia Airport (SKPP).

During the descent toward runway 02 at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (SKCL), the crew was stabilized at 5,700 feet when they noticed abnormal vibrations. The crew adjusted power settings to maintain altitude; however, approximately 6 nautical miles from the runway threshold, the aircraft experienced an abrupt pull and a sudden loss of power in the left engine. While engine pressure and temperature initially appeared within normal ranges, the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and fuel flow dropped to zero immediately.

Despite attempts to feather the propeller, the crew was unable to successfully complete the procedure. Due to the increasing rate of descent and the proximity to the airport, the pilot declared a 'Mayday' emergency. The aircraft subsequently performed an emergency landing in an unprepared sugarcane field, approximately 4.9 miles from the runway threshold. The aircraft struck the terrain with its landing gear retracted, sliding 43.62 meters before coming to a stop. All four occupants (two crew members and two passengers) evacuated the aircraft on their own and sustained no injuries.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the engine parameters at the time of the failure, and the environmental conditions. Investigators noted that the aircraft's lower structure, nose, and propellers sustained significant damage upon impact with the ground. The investigation also reviewed meteorological reports, which indicated near-calm winds, suggesting that the high rate of descent was likely due to performance degradation rather than wind factors.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the emergency landing was the sudden loss of power in the left engine, characterized by a total drop in fuel flow and EGT.
  • The crew attempted to feather the engine to manage the failure, but the procedure was not successfully completed.
  • The aircraft's descent rate increased significantly following the engine failure, leading to the forced landing in the sugarcane field.
  • The landing gear was in the retracted position at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The sudden failure of the left engine, specifically the immediate cessation of fuel flow and exhaust gas temperature, led to a loss of performance and an unrecoverable descent rate, necessitating an emergency landing in an unprepared field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2026-02-09 PA-34-220T accident near Cali, CO?

A Piper PA-34 220T operating as an air ambulance performed an emergency landing in a field near Palmira after experiencing a sudden loss of power in its left engine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2026-02-09 involved a PA-34-220T, registration HK4754, at Cali, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sudden failure of the left engine, specifically the immediate cessation of fuel flow and exhaust gas temperature, led to a loss of performance and an unrecoverable descent rate, necessitating an emergency landing in an unprepared field.

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