What happened
On January 6, 2014, at approximately 20:00 UTC, an EMB-201A Neiva, registration PT-GQP, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations near Itaquí, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Granja Cambaí to perform crop dusting. While executing a reversal maneuver, known locally as a 'balão,' the pilot lost control of the aircraft. During the maneuver, the right wing struck several eucalyptus trees, leading to a subsequent impact with the ground.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified and held valid medical and technical certifications required for this type of operation. The aircraft was also in a condition for safe operation, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and operating within the manufacturer's specified weight and balance limits. Investigators determined that the accident occurred while the pilot was attempting the reversal maneuver at a low altitude with a high degree of bank angle. This excessive inclination caused the aircraft to lose lift, resulting in the collision with the vegetation and the ground.
Findings
- The pilot's application of flight controls
- Pilot judgment during the low-altitude maneuver