What happened
On February 8, 2022, at approximately 14:50 UTC, an Embraer EMB-203 aircraft, registration PT-CNK, was performing agricultural spraying operations at the Pagrisa Mill Farm in Ulianópolis, Pará. The aircraft was engaged in applying fungicide to a sugarcane plantation.
After completing the first section of the application area, the pilot began a low-altitude left turn to reposition the aircraft for a second, smaller application area. During this maneuver, the pilot attempted to reprogram the AG-NAV Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to switch from a "carousel" pattern to a "back-to-back" pattern. During this reconfiguration, the aircraft lost altitude, striking the sugarcane crop and subsequently hitting the ground. The pilot attempted an emergency recovery by jettisoning the chemical load, deploying full flaps, and applying maximum power, but was unable to avoid the impact. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial and agricultural licenses, and possessed sufficient flight experience in the aircraft type. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and the flight was conducted within established weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
Investigators noted that while the pilot had performed a visual reconnaissance of the area prior to the flight, this was the pilot's first day of operations at this specific location. The investigation also identified that while the aircraft's airworthiness documentation was valid, the monthly usage logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe were not up to date.