What happened
On April 3, 2018, at approximately 10:30 LT, a Piper PA-25-235, registration CP-2332, crashed in an agricultural area near the Santa Josefina property, located roughly 70 kilometers south of Tres Cruces and Poso del Tigre, Bolivia. The aircraft was operating under restricted category regulations for agricultural and pest control purposes.
The flight was engaged in agricultural spraying operations when the aircraft experienced a loss of control during an undetermined phase of flight. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot. There were no other occupants on board.
The investigation
The Bolivian Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) investigation examined the wreckage and maintenance records of the aircraft. Investigators noted that while the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the maintenance logs for the engine and propeller were outdated, with the last recorded 100-hour service having been completed in December 2016.
Physical examination of the wreckage revealed that the six bolts securing the propeller disc to the engine crankshaft had fractured. The engine, a Lycoming 0-540-B2C5, appeared to have been functioning at full power at the time of the accident, as indicated by the manifold pressure reading of 29 PSI.
Findings
- The pilot was operating under a student pilot license, which did not authorize the type of agricultural flight being performed.
- The pilot lacked the necessary experience and qualifications for the specific mission requirements.
- There was no evidence of post-impact fire.
- The aircraft's maintenance records were not current regarding the 100-hour inspections.