What happened
On February 8, 2016, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-ULK, crashed while performing agricultural spraying operations in Paranatinga, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Nova Fronteira to conduct local pesticide application. During a repositioning maneuver, known as a 'balão' or reversal turn, the aircraft lost control and struck the ground approximately 650 meters from the application site. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft's structure, specifically affecting the left wing and engine area. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's mechanical systems. Technical analysis of the Lycoming engine conducted by the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) confirmed the engine was operational and showed no signs of internal mechanical failure. Flight controls were also inspected and found to be free of any jams or structural integrity issues.
Regarding the pilot's performance, witnesses and colleagues described a pattern of high-risk behavior, noting the pilot was known for being overly confident and performing daring maneuvers, sometimes even flying after sunset. The investigation also noted that the pilot frequently operated the aircraft while managing a new DGPS navigation unit. While the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, investigators found that the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was likely an inadequate application of flight controls, specifically an excessive bank angle during the reversal turn, which increased the stall speed and led to a loss of lift and control.
- The pilot's high level of self-confidence and tendency to perform risky maneuvers likely contributed to the aircraft entering an unrecoverable stall at a low altitude.
- Organizational failures within the operator's management were identified, specifically regarding the lack of effective supervision and the failure to take formal action despite previous warnings about the pilot's unsafe operational behavior.
- A potential lack of specific knowledge regarding aerodynamics, performance charts, and operational limits, such as G-load and stall speeds during turns, may have played a role.