What happened
On January 31, 2022, an agricultural flight involving a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UIA, was conducting operations near Maçambará, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft departed from the Auxiliar agricultural landing strip, traveling approximately 44 NM to the Ayub landing area.
Upon approaching the Ayub landing strip, the pilot observed cattle wandering across the runway. Although a ground crew was present, they failed to clear the animals from the area as required by the site's safety risk management protocols. In an attempt to disperse the livestock, the pilot performed a left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft's right wing struck high-voltage transmission lines located near the airfield. The impact severed part of the fuel tank and caused a significant loss of airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft lost altitude, striking the ground with its landing gear before the propeller impacted the terrain.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed, qualified, and held a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had undergone a 50-hour inspection shortly before the accident. However, investigators noted that the aircraft's logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
The investigation focused on the operational environment at the Ayub landing strip. While the site's Safety Risk Management (GRSO) identified the presence of livestock and nearby electrical obstacles, the investigation found flaws in how these risks were managed. Specifically, the ground crew's failure to clear the runway and the pilot's decision to maneuver near the power lines were central to the sequence of events.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the presence of livestock on the runway.
- The pilot's judgment during the maneuvering process contributed to the collision.
- The ground crew failed to perform their duty of clearing the landing area.
- Inadequate flight planning and managerial supervision regarding the management of known obstacles and livestock incursions.