What happened
On January 23, 2016, at approximately 20:15 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202A, registration PT-VUA, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Nova Ubiratã, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Asa Branca to apply pesticides to a crop. Shortly after completing the first pass and initiating a repositioning turn, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to manage the emergency, but the aircraft struck the treetops and performed a forced landing in a native forest area. Following the impact, a fire broke out, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot was able to successfully egress from the nacelle and escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the Lycoming IO-540K1J5 engine and its ignition components. While most engine systems—including fuel, lubrication, and cylinders—were functioning within expected parameters, the investigation identified critical failures in the magneto system. The right magneto was found to be non-functional due to a faulty capacitor. The left magneto showed significant wear on the breaker points due to a lack of lubrication caused by a dry felt component.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed a significant discrepancy in component traceability. The serial number of the left magneto physically installed on the aircraft did not match the serial number recorded in the engine logbook or the component control map. This indicated that the part had either been installed without proper documentation or replaced during an unrecorded maintenance intervention. The aircraft had recently undergone a 100-hour inspection just two days prior to the accident, which should have included a verification of magneto connections and serial numbers.
Findings
- Maintenance and organizational failures regarding the accuracy of maintenance records and component traceability.
- Inadequate managerial supervision of maintenance processes.
- Discrepancy between the installed left magneto and the official maintenance documentation.
- Failure of the right magneto due to a faulty capacitor.
- Wear on the left magneto breaker points due to lack of lubrication.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to:
- Alert certified maintenance organizations regarding the critical importance of precise service records to prevent future occurrences.
- Increase situational awareness among aircraft owners and operators regarding improper maintenance services.
- Ensure that the maintenance provider involved demonstrates the capability to perform adequate services on EMB-202A aircraft in accordance with technical manuals and legislation.