What happened
On February 14, 2005, an EMB-201A Ipanema, registration PT-GYV, was returning to its base in Tapurá, Mato Grosso, following a crop dusting mission. The aircraft was being operated by Aeroagrícola Boa Safra Ltda. At the time of the flight, the pilot was transporting an agricultural assistant in the cockpit, despite the aircraft being certified for a single occupant only.
As the aircraft approached the airfield, the pilot performed a low pass alongside the active runway. Following this pass, the pilot initiated a left-hand reversal turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered an excessive pitch-up attitude and a steep bank angle of nearly 90 degrees, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently entered a sharp right-hand descent and struck the ground near the threshold of runway 17. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, resulting in the total loss of the airframe. Although the pilot and the passenger managed to evacuate the burning wreckage, both sustained severe burns over approximately 90% of their bodies and later succumbed to their injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers and the operational environment. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and that the engine and airframe inspections were current. The pilot was a qualified commercial pilot with significant experience in agricultural operations.
The investigation examined the cockpit configuration, noting that the presence of the unauthorized passenger likely hindered the pilot's ability to use flight controls through their full range of motion and restricted visibility. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the organizational culture of the operator, noting that while the pilot was highly experienced, there was a lack of effective supervision regarding flight discipline and the unauthorized transport of passengers.