What happened
On January 17, 2017, at approximately 09:55 UTC, an EMB-201A, registration PT-GVM, took off from an agricultural landing strip at Fazenda Esteio, located in Monte do Car/TO, Brazil. The aircraft was performing an agricultural spraying operation with one pilot on board. Shortly after departure, the aircraft entered a patch of fog, leading the pilot to collide with a small tree before ultimately striking the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while the pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that while the pilot held a valid medical certificate and a single-engine land rating, they lacked the specific Agricultural Pilot (PAGA) rating and Instrument Rating (IFRA) required for the flight conditions encountered. Furthermore, the investigation was significantly hindered because the operator removed the aircraft wreckage from the site without authorization from the SIPAER investigating authority. Due to this unauthorized removal, investigators were unable to verify the aircraft's weight and balance at the time of the accident, nor could they confirm if the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date.
Findings
- The pilot was operating without the necessary agricultural or instrument flight ratings.
- Meteorological conditions were unfavorable for visual flight, specifically involving the presence of fog.
- The aircraft was removed from the scene prior to the arrival of the investigation authority.
- The pilot's medical certificate and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate were both valid.