Accident Details
On 7 August 2021 at 08:15 local time (14:15 UTC), an Air Tractor 502B, registration TI-AYP, operated by FUTRAAC S.A., was conducting agricultural application flights at Coyolar Aerodrome (MRCL) in Liberia, Guanacaste. During the takeoff maneuver, the aircraft failed to climb and seconds later descended to the ground near the runway.
Injuries to Persons
The sole occupant, a 35-year-old male commercial pilot with an agricultural fumigation license, did not sustain any injuries and exited the aircraft unaided. He was subsequently assisted by company personnel.
Damage to Aircraft and Other Property
The aircraft did not achieve the necessary performance for takeoff, lifting only about one meter above the runway. It entered a sugarcane field and came to rest 133.64 meters from the runway threshold. The wings struck the sugarcane, reducing speed and causing the aircraft to stall. A ground loop occurred, impacting most structural stations. No fire was observed. The aircraft sustained major damage. Approximately 200 meters of sugarcane crop were damaged.
Investigation Progress
At the accident site, visual inspection of the wreckage showed the engine was delivering power at impact. Control continuity was verified; all controls were connected, but some tail control attachments (elevator and directional) had detached due to torsional forces during the ground loop.
During the investigation, a possible discrepancy in ground crew loading procedures was identified. When a new sack of product was opened, the weight of the first portion may have been forgotten after the loading was resumed. The pilot had requested 1.5 sacks of product, but the aircraft may have been loaded with 2 sacks, potentially exceeding the agreed amount.
As of 7 August 2022, the investigation is approximately 85% complete. The final report is pending approval and will be published on the website of the Dirección General de Aviación Civil (www.dgac.go.cr) after review by the involved authorities.