What happened
On January 27, 2014, at 08:20 UTC, an EMB-201A Neiva, registration PT-UBR, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Turmalina, Minas Gerais. The aircraft departed from the Acelormittal airstrip with a single pilot on board. During the initial climb, the pilot maneuvered to clear eucalyptus trees and began a right-hand turn toward the spraying area. During this maneuver, the engine lost power, causing the aircraft to descend and strike the ground alongside the MG-3/308 highway.
The pilot sustained light injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage. Analysis of the propeller blades indicated that the engine was still producing some power at the moment of impact.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the engine and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators examined the engine assembly and found several significant maintenance discrepancies. Specifically, silicone was used during the assembly of at least two cylinders instead of the manufacturer-mandated sealing rings, a practice that can lead to inaccurate torque readings. Additionally, the engine block was closed using wire not recommended by the manufacturer.
The investigation also identified a lack of documentation regarding the engine's conversion to ethanol fuel, noting the absence of a required identification plate. Furthermore, the stall warning circuit breaker was found in the unlatched position. Regarding record-keeping, investigators found that the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated, and the aircraft's flight log was blank, preventing the traceability of various components.