Fatal Agricultural Flight Collision in Jaguaré, Brazil

Casualties unknown • JAGUARÉ, ES, BR

A Piper PA-25-235 crashed into trees during an agricultural spraying mission in Espirito Santo, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On January 21, 2019, at approximately 12:00 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235, registration PR-FBA, was conducting an agricultural spraying operation near the Pablo Altoé landing strip in Jaguaré, Espírito Santo. The aircraft was performing a mission to apply pesticides when, roughly five minutes into the flight, it struck trees. The impact caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading to a subsequent collision with the ground. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and passed away at a local hospital.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's powerplant to determine if an engine failure was a contributing factor. Technical analysis of the engine, which had been converted to operate on hydrated ethyl alcohol, showed no evidence of overheating, detonation, or lubrication failure. The spark plugs and internal components were intact, and the propeller damage indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. While investigators noted that the engine utilized an unapproved fuel injection adaptation and that maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date, these were not considered the primary cause of the crash.

Investigators also evaluated the flight path and terrain. The area where the aircraft was performing a reversal maneuver featured an upward slope and dense vegetation. The investigation focused on whether the pilot's flight path and timing were adequate to clear the taller trees located above the main canopy.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the inadequate application of flight controls during the reversal maneuver.
  • The pilot failed to anticipate the need to clear taller trees situated on an upward slope.
  • The aircraft's engine was functioning normally at the time of the collision.
  • The pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the operation.
  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and held a valid special flight authorization.
  • Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not updated.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to properly execute flight controls during a reversal maneuver, resulting in a collision with trees that were positioned higher than the surrounding canopy due to the terrain's upward slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-01-21 aircraft accident near JAGUARÉ, ES, BR?

A Piper PA-25-235 crashed into trees during an agricultural spraying mission in Espirito Santo, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-01-21 involved a aircraft, registration PRFBA, at JAGUARÉ, ES, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to properly execute flight controls during a reversal maneuver, resulting in a collision with trees that were positioned higher than the surrounding canopy due to the terrain's upward slope.

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