Loss of Control During Agricultural Spraying Leads to Fatal Accident in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • QUERÊNCIA, MT, BR

An Embraer EMB-201A aircraft crashed into dense vegetation during a crop dusting operation, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On March 13, 2020, at approximately 10:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-201A (registration PT-GUF) was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Nova Esperança in Querência, Mato Grosso. The aircraft, operated by Redex Aeroagrícola Ltda, was engaged in the application of fungicides over a cornfield. During the second takeoff of the day, the aircraft was carrying approximately 400 kg of fungicide and 79 kg of ethanol fuel.

After the fourth application pass, the aircraft entered a turn that resulted in a loss of control. The aircraft struck dense vegetation and the ground at a near-vertical angle, with an impact angle estimated between 70° and 90°. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and resulted in the fatal injuries of the pilot.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators analyzed data from a Bantam M3 DGPS installed in the aircraft, which revealed that while previous turns had been performed at speeds around 74 mph, the final turn had a much tighter radius of only about 50 meters. The investigation also examined the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's maintenance status.

Investigators found that while the pilot held a valid medical certificate, their single-engine land (MNTE) and agricultural pilot (PAGA) ratings were suspended. Furthermore, there was no digital record of the pilot operating this specific aircraft type since September 2018. Regarding the aircraft, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date, and the aircraft was operating under a valid Special Flight Authorization (AEV) for ethanol use. The investigation also ruled out engine failure, as evidence from the propeller and impact pattern indicated the engine was producing power at the moment of impact.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during a tight turning maneuver.
  • The pilot's flight control inputs contributed to the loss of control.
  • The pilot's judgment during the maneuver was a contributing factor.
  • The pilot was operating with suspended single-engine and agricultural ratings.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during a high-angle turn, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-03-13 aircraft accident near QUERÊNCIA, MT, BR?

An Embraer EMB-201A aircraft crashed into dense vegetation during a crop dusting operation, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-03-13 involved a aircraft, registration PTGUF, at QUERÊNCIA, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during a high-angle turn, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.

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