What happened
On January 8, 2015, at approximately 17:20 local time, a Neiva EMB-201, registration PT-GOJ, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Agriter in Brasnorte, Mato Grosso. The aircraft, operated by JM Aviação Agrícola Ltda, had completed four successful flights earlier that day as part of a planned seven-sortie mission to apply fungicide.
During the fifth takeoff, while en route to the application area, the aircraft struck vegetation approximately 1,86 and meters from the departure point. The pilot reported experiencing a loss of engine power at a low altitude, which prevented the maintenance of flight and led to the collision. Before impact, the pilot shut off the engine. While the pilot survived the crash uninjured, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA VI was initiated 21 days after the event, following a report rather than an immediate notification by the operator. Investigators found that the aircraft had been removed from the crash site without the knowledge or authorization of aviation authorities.
Due to the delay in reporting and the actions taken by the operator, a technical analysis of the engine was not possible. At the time investigators attempted to examine the components, the engine had already been sent to a maintenance workshop and was disassembled. Consequently, the investigation could not confirm or refute the pilot's claim of power loss, though witnesses and the aircraft owner suggested a loss of control occurred without engine failure.
Findings
- The aircraft's annual maintenance inspection (IAM) had been expired since December 6, 2014.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) had been expired since May 9, 2014.
- The operator and pilot failed to notify aviation authorities immediately following the accident.
- The aircraft was removed from the scene without authorization from aeronautical authorities.