What happened
On February 7, 2015, at approximately 11:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UNH, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a soybean plantation at Fazenda Lagoa Bonita in Balsas, Maranhão. During its third takeoff of the day, the aircraft was fully loaded with insecticide.
As the aircraft attempted to climb, the pilot lost control and was unable to maintain flight, necessitating an immediate forced landing. After contacting the ground, the aircraft traveled approximately 60 meters before striking a protrusion in the terrain, which caused the aircraft to nose over. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the takeoff conditions and the aircraft's configuration. The takeoff strip, consisting of compacted gravel (piçarra), was approximately 700 meters long. At the time of the accident, strong crosswinds were present, likely caused by recent rainfall in the area.
Technical analysis revealed that the pilot had configured the flaps to 20 degrees. However, the aircraft's Operations Manual (MO-202) specifies a flap setting of only 8 degrees for both normal and minimum ground roll takeoffs, with no provision for a 20-degree setting. This configuration increased aerodynamic drag and reduced takeoff speed.
Furthermore, the investigation found that when the pilot recognized the loss of lift, they attempted to activate the chemical dispersal lever to jettison the load. This action failed because the pilot was restrained by shoulder harnesses and the seat was positioned too high, preventing the pilot from reaching the lever. In a subsequent attempt to manage the descent, the pilot moved the flaps to 30 degrees, which caused the aircraft's nose to pitch down, increasing the rate of descent.
Findings
- The use of a 20-degree flap setting, which deviated from the approved manual procedures, increased drag and reduced takeoff performance.
- The pilot was unable to execute the emergency procedure of jettisoning the liquid load due to physical limitations caused by seat positioning and harness constraints.
- The pilot lacked knowledge regarding the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight and the specific weight of the cargo being transported.
- Strong crosswinds contributed to the loss of lift during the takeoff phase.
- Errors in command application, flight planning, and pilot judgment were identified as contributing factors.