What happened
On February 4, 2017, at approximately 13:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-UXT, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Xingu in São Desidério, Bahia. The aircraft had departed from a local landing strip earlier that day to apply agricultural inputs.
After successfully completing seven application passes, the pilot began a repositioning maneuver to start the eighth and final pass. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck an electrical transmission line that had been installed in the area two years prior. The impact caused a loss of control, leading to a subsequent impact with the ground. The pilot sustained light injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid single-engine land and agricultural pilot certifications, along with a valid medical certificate. The pilot was experienced, with approximately 4,500 flight hours in the aircraft type, and was well-acquainted with the local terrain.
Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with valid documentation for the airframe, engine, and propeller, and was operating within proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for flight. The investigation noted that the pilot was aware of the presence of the power lines and believed the repositioning turn had been executed at a safe distance from the wires.