What happened
On February 7, 2010, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UML, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Leopoldina in Itiquira, Mato Grosso. During the pilot's sixth sortie of the day, the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude, approximately one meter above the top of the crop canopy.
While performing a pass, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The pilot reported that upon feeling the loss of lift, they advanced the throttles in an attempt to maintain level flight. However, as the aircraft approached the ground, the pilot reduced power completely. The aircraft struck the ground with its landing gear, followed by the nose. The impact caused the aircraft to slide approximately 200 meters through the plantation, eventually coming to rest 180 degrees from its original heading. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine, propeller, landing gear, and fuselage, but the pilot escaped uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the aerodynamic conditions and the pilot's operational decisions. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, noting that while visibility was good, moderate turbulence was present due to thermal activity common in hot, arid environments.
The investigation analyzed the aircraft's weight and balance, confirming it was within manufacturer limits. The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience and the aircraft's maintenance status, finding that the pilot was properly qualified and the aircraft's maintenance inspections were up to date. Investigators also noted that the accident was reported three days after the occurrence, which limited the ability to perform immediate on-site inspections.