What happened
On February 6, 2019, at approximately 12:20 UTC, a Neiva EMB 202, registration PT-UNS, was conducting agricultural spraying operations over a rice plantation in the rural area of Maçambará, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Aero Agrícola Butuí Ltda. – ME, had been flying for approximately twenty minutes when the main landing gear made contact with the rice crop.
This contact with the vegetation created significant drag, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently capsized and came to a rest approximately 100 meters away in an inverted position. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the mechanical and operational aspects of the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine had been converted to operate on hydrated ethyl alcohol and was flying under a valid Special Flight Authorization (AEV). Maintenance records, including the Annual Maintenance Inspection (FIAM), were up to date, and the aircraft was within its weight and balance limits. No mechanical failures or system abnormalities were identified as contributing to the event.
Regarding the pilot's credentials, while the pilot held valid medical and single-engine certificates at the time, a subsequent review by ANAC revealed irregularities in the flight experience required for the Agricultural Pilot (PAGA) rating, which led to the annulment of that specific rating in 2020. The investigation also noted that while the pilot was qualified for the flight, the pilot's license was limited to non-commercial operations.
Findings
- Inadequate flight control application: The pilot's improper use of flight controls led to the landing gear striking the vegetation.
- Judgment error: The pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude relative to the rice crop.
- Potential loss of attention: Investigators noted that the repetitive nature of agricultural spraying missions may have contributed to a decrease in the pilot's level of attention or perception of the crop's proximity.
Safety action
- It is recommended that ANAC work with Aero Agrícola Butuí Ltda. to ensure that management supervision mechanisms guarantee that crew licenses and ratings comply with applicable regulations for commercial operations.