What happened
On November 10, 2023, an EMB-202 aircraft, registered as PT-UVA, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Primavera in Maçambará, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Cooperativa Agrícola Imembuy Ltda., was conducting its third flight of the day to replenish the hopper with agricultural chemicals.
During the refueling process, the engine remained running. The pilot in command exited the cockpit while the engine was still active. While walking toward the front of the aircraft to greet the pilot of another nearby stationary plane, the pilot moved too close to the rotating propeller and was struck by the component. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and medical certification, with extensive experience in agricultural aviation. The aircraft's maintenance records, including the airworthiness certificate and recent 100-hour inspections, were up to date, and no mechanical failures were identified as contributing to the event.
Investigators reviewed Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations (RBAC), specifically RBAC 91 and RBAC 137. While regulations allow for refueling with the engine running under specific conditions—provided the pilot remains in the cockpit and the operation is managed within an acceptable risk level—the investigation found that the pilot's decision to leave the cockpit while the engine was running violated the safety requirements of the regulation. The investigation established that the pilot's departure from the flight deck created an unsafe environment.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to disembark the aircraft while the engine was running during hopper replenishment.
- A significant reduction in situational awareness, characterized by a lapse in attention, attitude, and perception.
- The pilot's movement toward the front of the aircraft, which led to the propeller strike.