What happened
On November 27, 2013, a Cessna A 188 B, registration CX-BVO-R, was performing agricultural spraying operations involving the application of urea near Paso de la Cruz, approximately 15 km south of Melo, Uruguay. The aircraft was conducting its sixth flight of the day, intended to be the final mission before approaching weather conditions necessitated a suspension of activities.
During the takeoff roll from a temporary agricultural strip, the aircraft initially performed normally, reaching rotation speed and establishing a positive climb. However, as the aircraft climbed, it began to lose altitude. The pilot attempted to maintain level flight and activated the emergency release mechanism to jettison the solid urea from the hopper, but the discharge of the granular product was not rapid enough to compensate for the loss of lift. The aircraft subsequently struck a perimeter fence, causing the tailwheel to hit the wire and destabilizing the plane. The aircraft then impacted trees and dense vegetation, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe and engine.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within operational limits and that all maintenance documentation and airworthiness certificates were up to date. The pilot was found to be fully licensed and medically qualified for the operation.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting that while the pilot had successfully completed five previous flights that day using a different wind profile, a significant shift in wind direction occurred during the final takeoff. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's technical state, finding no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction contributing to the event.