What happened
On March 3, 2021, at approximately 09:00 UTC, an EMB-202A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-VXW, was performing a crop-spraying mission over a soybean plantation in Correntina, Bahia. The aircraft departed from a private unpaved airstrip at Fazenda Branca.
Immediately after lifting off, the aircraft lost control and struck the crops, subsequently overturning. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's engine, fuel, and weight and balance records. Analysis of the fuel samples confirmed that the ethanol used was of proper quality and did not contribute to the accident. Furthermore, a technical inspection of the Lycoming engine, including the fuel injection pump and magnetos, revealed no evidence of mechanical failure.
Investigators reconstructed the takeoff parameters and found that the aircraft was operating significantly above its structural limits. The takeoff weight was calculated at 1,932 kg, which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1,800 kg by 132 kg. The investigation also noted that the pilot initiated rotation very close to the end of the runway—approximately 40 meters from the threshold—which likely prompted an excessive angle of attack.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating beyond its maximum takeoff weight.
- Inadequate flight planning and preparation allowed the aircraft to be loaded with 680 kg of agricultural chemicals, contributing to the weight violation.
- The pilot's decision-making and judgment regarding takeoff distance and weight limitations were contributing factors.
- The proximity of the rotation point to the end of the runway, combined with the increased stall speed caused by the excess weight, made the aircraft highly susceptible to a stall, especially when encountering a downdraft as reported by the pilot.