What happened
On February 18, 2017, at approximately 16:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-WXB, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a corn plantation at Fazenda Marcon, located in Poxorèu, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was engaged in applying pesticides when, immediately following a reversal turn, the pilot experienced what was perceived as a loss of engine power. This led to an emergency situation, forcing the pilot to perform a forced landing within the plantation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine and its accessories to determine if a mechanical failure had occurred. The inspection revealed that the engine was fully operational and showed no signs of mechanical malfunction at the time of the landing. Furthermore, laboratory analysis of fuel samples confirmed that the fuel met all required regulatory specifications. While the analysis of the lubricating oil was inconclusive, the physical evidence did not support the pilot's report of an engine failure.
Investigators considered the specific flight profile of agricultural spraying, which involves frequent maneuvers at low altitudes. The investigation explored the possibility that the aircraft may have entered a low-altitude stall due to improper control inputs at the end of the reversal turn. The investigation noted that the pilot may have misidentified the aerodynamic symptoms of a stall as a loss of engine power.
Findings
- The engine was operational and showed no mechanical defects at the time of the accident.
- The fuel used was in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Improper pilot judgment regarding the aircraft's flight parameters may have led to the misinterpretation of a stall as an engine failure.
- This misidentification potentially hindered the pilot's ability to make timely and effective decisions to recover the aircraft.