What happened
On January 25, 2019, at approximately 10:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB 202, registration PT-UPW, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Guaíra, São Paulo. The aircraft departed from an unpaved agricultural landing strip measuring 1,000 meters by 30 meters.
Following takeoff, the pilot maintained the aircraft at a very low altitude, flying parallel to the runway rather than climbing to a safe minimum altitude. The pilot's intent was to gain speed to begin the application maneuver immediately after the end of the landing strip. During this low-level flight, the landing gear made contact with the sugarcane crop, causing the pilot to lose control and resulting in a collision with the ground approximately 40 meters beyond the end of the landing area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and medical certification, with significant experience in the aircraft type. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with calm winds and a temperature of 25°C.
Investigators found that the aircraft was operating outside of its recommended weight limits, weighing 1,862 kg, which was 62 kg above the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 1,800 kg. Additionally, while the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe were not up to date. The investigation concluded that the pilot's decision-making process was compromised by the attempt to fly at an unsafe altitude to expedite the mission.
Findings
- Pilot judgment and decision-making errors regarding altitude maintenance.
- The aircraft was operating above the maximum takeoff weight.
- Maintenance documentation for the engine, propeller, and airframe was outdated.
- The pilot's decision to maintain a low altitude to begin spraying maneuvers immediately after takeoff increased the risk of ground contact.