Synopsis
On October 8, 2021, at approximately 21:00 UTC, a Cessna T-188-C aircraft, registration LV-BDW, operated by Fly Far SRL, departed from its base in a rural area near Intendente Alvear, La Pampa, Argentina, to perform agricultural spraying operations. During the second pass of the application, the aircraft struck a medium-voltage power line with its main landing gear, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.
Flight Details
The pilot conducted a reconnaissance flight prior to beginning the spraying. The first pass, oriented north-south, started at one end of a wheat field marked for application. After initiating the next lot, the pilot observed a set of cables with T-shaped poles that did not extend laterally. Approximately 6 meters away, a second medium-voltage power line, with three continuous wires, was present. During the second pass, now oriented south-north, the pilot attempted to transition between lots but did not distinguish the power line perpendicular to the aircraft's path.
The impact occurred on the second cable of the medium-voltage line, located outside the lot. The right main landing gear cut the first cable, while the left main gear cut the remaining two. The aircraft then lost control and struck the terrain. During the ground impact, the aircraft hit a fence post, and the propeller became entangled with fencing wire. The aircraft traveled approximately 35 meters before coming to rest.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was equipped with cable-cutting devices installed on the main landing gear struts. It also carried a satellite flagman system to indicate flight paths but lacked a solid-state memory recorder, preventing the retrieval of more precise operational data.
Fly Far SRL stated that they had submitted the documentation required by the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) for the Agricultural Work Operator Certificate (CETA) as per Argentine Civil Aviation Regulation (RAAC) 137.5. The operator cited delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related administrative restrictions. The investigation found no documentary evidence regarding the progress of the certification process.
The pilot sustained minor injuries and exited the aircraft unassisted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.