What happened
On January 19, 2018, a Cessna T188C, registration PR-JAO, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Quatro Irmãos, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda San Ciro to apply fungicide at Fazenda Agranionik. After discharging approximately 200 liters of the chemical load, the pilot attempted several additional spray passes.
During a left-hand climbing turn intended to align the aircraft with the application path, the pilot experienced a pre-stall condition. Despite recognizing the loss of airspeed, the pilot continued the maneuver in a turn. As the pilot attempted to level the wings and trade altitude for airspeed, the aircraft's trajectory resulted in a tailwind component. This combination of low airspeed and tailwind caused a total loss of lift, leading the aircraft to descend and collide with the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly rated for agricultural flight and held a valid medical certificate. The aircraft, operated by Aerodinâmica Aviação Agrícola Ltda., was in compliance with airworthiness requirements, and all maintenance records for the engine, propeller, and airframe were up to date. The investigation also verified that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and that meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight.
Findings
- The pilot identified a pre-stall condition during the climbing turn but maintained the turn.
- The aircraft's flight path resulted in a tailwind condition.
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the aircraft's flight parameters and the decision to continue the maneuver despite the pre-stall state led to the loss of lift.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to work with the operator to re-evaluate their Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure compliance with operational instructions. Additionally, it was recommended that the lessons learned from this accident be disseminated to the Brazilian agricultural aviation community to emphasize the importance of respecting aircraft operational limits.