What happened
On February 5, 2016, a Neiva EMB-201, registration PT-GII, was performing local flight tests at an agricultural airstrip in Lagoa da Confusão, Tocantins. The mission involved checking the engine and the spraying equipment for the operator, Precisa Aviação Agrícola.
After an initial flight to verify engine parameters using 60 liters of fuel, the aircraft was reloaded with 400 liters of water to test the chemical application system. During one of the spray passes, the engine suffered a loss of power. The pilot managed to perform a forced landing on unprepared terrain. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators learned of the accident through an anonymous report. Upon arrival at the scene, investigators discovered that the aircraft had been moved from the accident site without authorization from the investigation authority. The aircraft was found at the operator's hangar, completely disassembled and undergoing maintenance repairs.
Further examination of the aircraft's documentation revealed critical regulatory failures. The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate had been expired since March 2001, and the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) had been overdue since September 1999. Additionally, the engine was being operated using ethanol, but inquiries with the manufacturer, Embraer, confirmed that the necessary engine conversion for ethanol use had not been performed by an approved facility.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred during a flight test of the spraying system.
- The aircraft was operating with unauthorized ethanol conversion for the engine.
- The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate was expired.
- The Annual Maintenance Inspection was significantly overdue.
- The aircraft was removed from the accident scene and disassembled before investigators could examine it.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.