What happened
On February 15, 2018, an Embraer EMB-712 (registration PT-NYM) departed from the Camapuã Aerodrome in Mato Grosso, Brazil, bound for Campo Grande. The flight was a visual flight rules (VFR) navigation training mission for a Commercial Pilot course, carrying an instructor and a student.
After departing Camapuã, the instructor took control of the aircraft and began performing a series of low-altitude passes over a nearby crop field. The instructor, who reportedly aspired to become an agricultural pilot, was simulating low-level pesticide application maneuvers. During one of these passes, the aircraft's right wing made contact with the vegetation, causing the aircraft to stall and impact the ground, eventually coming to rest on its back. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the instructor sustained serious injuries and the student sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, properly weighted, and balanced, with all maintenance records up to date. The weather conditions were favorable for flight, and both the instructor and student held valid medical certificates and appropriate licenses.
However, the investigation found that the low-level maneuvers were not part of the approved flight training syllabus. Furthermore, the flight violated Brazilian airspace regulations (ICA 100-12), which prohibit VFR operations at altitudes below 500 feet above the ground in non-populated areas. Because the investigation determined that the accident resulted from a deliberate violation of established air traffic rules, CENIPA elected to interrupt the investigation process.
Findings
- The instructor performed low-altitude passes over a plantation at a reduced distance from the crops.
- The right wing struck the vegetation, leading to a loss of control.
- The flight violated minimum safety altitude requirements established by Brazilian aeronautical regulations.
- The unauthorized maneuvers significantly reduced the safety margin of the operation.