What happened
On February 1, 2024, at approximately 13:10 UTC, a Piper PA-36-300, registration PR-EGU, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda São Francisco in Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was conducting low-altitude passes to apply pesticides when it struck a utility pole supporting electrical wiring. Following the collision, the aircraft impacted the ground. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's maintenance status. The pilot held valid commercial licenses and medical certification, though investigators noted a discrepancy in reported flight hours; while the pilot claimed 800 hours, official records showed 405 hours. Furthermore, the pilot had very limited experience with this specific aircraft model, with only 13 hours and 47 minutes logged.
The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were within legal limits for visual flight rules (VFR). The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the third spray pass, specifically examining the impact of external distractions and situational awareness during the maneuver.