What happened
On February 4, 2023, at approximately 20:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-VVP, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Maringá III in Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was conducting its second application pass of the afternoon, flying at an altitude of approximately 4 meters above the soybean crop.
During the maneuver, the aircraft encountered a downward wind gust. This sudden atmospheric disturbance caused the aircraft's spray boom to strike the crop, leading to a loss of control. The left wingtip subsequently made contact with the ground, causing the aircraft to dive into the plantation. The aircraft slid through the vegetation in an anti-clockwise direction before coming to a complete stop. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped the wreckage uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right landing gear, propeller blades, and engine cowling.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and local meteorological data. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. The pilot held valid commercial licenses and agricultural ratings, and was experienced in operating this specific aircraft at this location.
Meteorological analysis focused on automated weather stations in Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade and Comodoro. Data from these stations confirmed wind gusts between 7 and 10 knots in the region. Furthermore, official meteorological charts (SIGWX and GAMET) indicated the presence of Cumulonimbus clouds and forecasted thunderstorms and rain showers in the area. These convective clouds are known to generate significant atmospheric instability, including strong updrafts and downdrafts.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions, specifically the presence of convective clouds capable of producing downdrafts, acted as a contributing factor.
- The pilot's flight planning was identified as an indeterminate factor, as the risks associated with performing low-altitude operations near convective weather formations may not have been adequately assessed.