What happened
On February 23, 2019, an EMB-202A aircraft, registration PT-VUU, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a soybean plantation at Fazenda Campanholi, in São Desidério, Bahia. The flight, operated for private agricultural purposes, departed from a local airstrip to apply pesticides.
During the return leg of the flight, while approaching the landing strip, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which impacted the ground in an abnormal manner. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and agricultural flight certifications and possessed approximately 1,300 hours of experience on the EMB-202A type. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with updated maintenance logs, and was within its proper weight and balance limits.
Investigators noted that the pilot frequently used runway 27 for landings to facilitate refueling at a station located near runway 09. On the day of the accident, however, the wind favored runway 09, resulting in a tailwind component for runway 27.
Analysis of the wreckage and the impact site, located approximately 600 meters from runway 27, suggested that the pilot attempted a steep, low-altitude maneuver to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline. The investigation found the flaps were set to 20 degrees, indicating the aircraft was in a landing configuration. Evidence from the wreckage, including the deformation of the horizontal stabilizers, indicated the aircraft was traveling at a low speed at the moment of impact.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a high-bank turn at low altitude to correct the flight path toward the runway.
- This maneuver involved an increased angle of attack and a high load factor (G-load).
- The combination of the steep bank angle and increased load factor caused a significant increase in the stall speed, leading to an aerodynamic stall.
- The pilot's failure to maintain adequate lateral separation from the runway centerline necessitated the aggressive maneuver that led to the loss of control.