What happened
On October 9, 2017, at approximately 15:30 local time, a Piper PA-25-260, registration CX-BXC-R, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a rice crop near Paso Pereira, in the department of Cerro Largo, Uruguay. The aircraft, operated by Aeroagrícola Noreste Ltda., was executing its third flight pass of the day.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 15 to 20 meters, the pilot experienced a sudden impact against the front of the fuselage, immediately followed by a significant reduction in engine power. The pilot responded by leveling the wings, attempting to discharge the remaining fungicide from the hopper, and executing an emergency landing into a dense area of native forest.
The aircraft struck the treetops, which initially slowed the descent before the branches gave way, causing the aircraft to drop vertically at a 90-degree angle. The aircraft came to rest supported by the surrounding vegetation. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft unharmed, though they were initially unable to signal for help due to the dense canopy and lack of cellular coverage. The pilot was eventually located by air and rescued by a Uruguayan Air Force helicopter.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's condition, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the pilot's flight logs, the aircraft's maintenance and operational history, and the specific circumstances of the impact. The investigators also analyzed the aircraft's damage, which included significant impact to the fuselage, wings, landing gear, engine, and propeller.
Findings
- The aircraft was carrying 110 liters of fuel and 400 liters of fungicide at the time of the accident.
- The pilot experienced a physical impact to the front of the aircraft followed by a sudden loss of engine power.
- The emergency landing occurred in a native forest, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and required heavy machinery to clear a path for the rescue operation.
- The pilot was wearing the required protective helmet and mask during the operation.