What happened
On January 7, 2016, at approximately 19:00 UTC, a Cessna T188C, registration PR-INS, crashed into a sugarcane plantation at Fazenda Galvão, located in Bom Jesus de Goiás, Brazil. The aircraft had departed from a local agricultural landing strip at 18:45 UTC to perform pesticide application. During the operation, the aircraft struck the ground and subsequently caught fire. The impact and subsequent intense fire destroyed the aircraft and caused the fatal deaths of both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses for single-engine landplanes and agricultural operations, along with a valid medical certificate. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with no significant weather formations detected via infrared imagery.
However, the investigation revealed that the aircraft was being operated in violation of safety regulations. The Cessna T188C was certified for a minimum crew of only one person, and the Type Certificate Data Sheet did not provide for a passenger seat. At the time of the accident, an agricultural assistant was on board in the cockpit. Due to the extreme destruction caused by the impact and fire, a detailed examination of the aircraft's mechanical systems was not possible.
Findings
- The presence of an unauthorized passenger in the cockpit created a significant safety risk, as the aircraft lacked appropriate seating and safety restraints for a second occupant.
- The operation was in direct violation of Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations (RBAC 137), which prohibits the transport of passengers during agricultural flight operations.
- The presence of the passenger may have physically obstructed flight controls, potentially leading to the loss of control in flight.
- Contributing factors included errors in pilot attitude, flight judgment, flight planning, and management supervision.