What happened
On April 12, 2015, a Trush Aircraft S2R G10, registration TG-FYS, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Finca Palo Blanco in the municipality of Tiquisate, Escuintla. During the takeoff roll on a private plantation strip measuring 990 meters by 30 meters, the aircraft failed to reach the necessary rotation speed.
After traveling approximately 700 meters down the runway, the pilot attempted to lift the aircraft into flight. However, the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles in the takeoff path, including a banana transport cable and a large waste pit. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in the destruction of the engine, propeller, landing gear, and the forward section of the fuselage.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the physical wreckage. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial agricultural pilot license and that the aircraft was maintained according to the manufacturer's program.
Investigators analyzed the takeoff performance and the presence of obstacles in the flight path. While the engine was too damaged to undergo a full functional analysis, investigators inspected the fuel system and found evidence of contamination in the filters. Additionally, the investigation noted that the aircraft was carrying a maximum load of fertilizer in the hopper at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a suspected loss of engine power during the critical takeoff phase, which prevented the aircraft from achieving sufficient lift.
- The presence of heavy cargo, specifically a full load of agricultural chemicals in the hopper, contributed to the insufficient climb performance.
- The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll after reaching 700 meters, rather than aborting when sufficient performance was not met, prevented the avoidance of obstacles.
- Obstacles in the takeoff path, including a cable and a waste pit, increased the severity of the impact.
- Evidence of fuel contamination and low fuel levels in the filters may have contributed to the engine's power deficiency.
Safety action
It is recommended that all agricultural aviation operators implement procedures to monitor takeoff performance, specifically establishing the minimum distance required for liftoff and the maximum distance at which a takeoff must be aborted to avoid reaching critical, unrecoverable points.