What happened
On February 12, 2020, at approximately 11:20 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UMC, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Água Boa, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was operating from an agricultural landing strip at Fazenda Farroupilha.
The flight sequence began with an initial takeoff attempt. During the first 100 meters of the takeoff roll, grass became entangled in the right side of the aircraft's spray boom. The pilot aborted the takeoff, disembarked to clear the obstruction, and then initiated a second takeoff attempt from that same position.
During the second attempt, the aircraft reached rotation speed but failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear an oncoming soybean plantation. In an effort to increase lift, the pilot adjusted the flaps from 8° to 20°. However, the aircraft's spray boom struck the soybean crop, creating additional drag that prevented the aircraft from maintaining its flight path, ultimately leading to a collision with the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's performance requirements and operational conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the mission, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid. The aircraft was operating at its maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1,800kg.
Investigators found that the available runway length was insufficient for the second takeoff attempt. While the strip was approximately 800 meters long, the pilot had already used 100 meters during the aborted first attempt, leaving only 700 meters of usable runway. According to the aircraft's operating manual, a takeoff under the existing conditions (unpaved runway, zero wind, and 8° flaps) required at least 1,016 meters to ensure clearance of obstacles.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft was using hydrated ethanol as fuel, despite the type certificate requiring at least 100 LL Avgas. There were no records of an approved conversion for ethanol use.
Findings
- Inadequate runway length: The remaining runway distance was insufficient to complete a safe takeoff without obstacles.
- Improper decision-making: The pilot failed to properly evaluate the risks and performance parameters during the second takeoff attempt.
- Uncertified fuel use: The aircraft was operating with hydrated ethanol, which was not certified for this specific airframe.
- Inadequate management oversight: The operator failed to ensure adequate planning regarding runway suitability and fuel compliance.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to:
- Audit the operational procedures of the operator to ensure compliance with manufacturer-specified operational limits.
- Disseminate the lessons learned from this investigation to alert operators to the risks of ignoring aircraft performance limitations.