What happened
On February 24, 2022, at approximately 13:35 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-AYC, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Balsas, Maranhão. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Serra Branca to perform local brachiaria seeding.
During the penultimate application pass, while flying over a valley at an altitude of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and a speed of 100 MPH, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by activating the electric fuel pump, but was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently performed a forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft, the engine, and the fuel supply. The pilot was found to be fully qualified with valid medical and agricultural ratings. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance records, including the most recent 100-hour inspection, were up to date.
Investigators analyzed the engine, a Teledyne Continental Motors (IO) 540-K1J5, and found no mechanical failures, damages, or discrepancies that would indicate a continuous mechanical malfunction. However, fuel was found in the engine's distributor, confirming that fuel was reaching the engine prior to impact.
Analysis of the fuel from the refueling truck used by the operator revealed that the ethanol was outside of the required technical specifications, showing a slightly lower alcohol content and a slightly higher density than permitted by ANP regulations.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by the use of fuel with properties outside of the required specifications.
- The presence of contaminants or water in the fuel supply could lead to combustion flameout.
- The pilot did not execute the emergency procedures for a low-altitude forced landing, which included jettisoning the chemical load and closing the fuel valve, which may have exacerbated the accident consequences.