What happened
On March 11, 2021, an Air Tractor AT-402A, registration PT-FNX, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Ouro Fino in Barra do Bugres, Mato Grosso. The aircraft, operated by Fenix Aviação Agrícola Ltda., was conducting a routine mission when, during the landing roll, the right wing collided with vegetation located alongside the unpaved landing strip. The impact caused the pilot to lose control, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft rotated approximately 180 degrees to the right and traveled about 570 meters before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the operational environment and the aircraft's technical status. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified with valid medical and agricultural ratings, and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. The landing strip, measuring approximately 1,200 by 23 meters, was surrounded by sugarcane crops roughly 4 meters high, which exceeded the height of the aircraft. The investigation noted that the narrow width of the strip provided only a 3.7-meter margin on either side of the aircraft's wingspan. Furthermore, the strip lacked lateral markings or a centerline to assist with visual positioning. The operator was unable to provide a Safety Risk Management (SRM) form for the specific operation area during the inquiry.
Findings
- Improper use of flight controls led to the aircraft drifting too close to the side vegetation.
- The lack of runway markings may have reduced the pilot's situational awareness regarding the aircraft's position during the landing roll.
- The presence of tall sugarcane crops immediately adjacent to the narrow strip created a significant hazard.
- Potential lapses in pilot attention or perception due to the repetitive nature of agricultural flight operations.
- Uncertainties regarding flight planning and managerial oversight due to the absence of risk management documentation for the landing area.