Fatal Crash of Air Tractor AT-402B in Mato Grosso Due to Unintended IMC

Casualties unknown • JUÍNA, MT, BR

An Air Tractor AT-402B crashed in Brazil after entering adverse weather conditions, resulting in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

On March 3, 2023, an AT-402B agricultural aircraft, registration PS-JCB, crashed near Juína, Mato Grosso, during a ferry flight. The aircraft departed from the Juína aerodrome, bound for an agricultural landing strip at Fazenda Flor Gaú/Aripuanã, carrying a pilot and one passenger. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered degraded weather conditions and struck the ground in an inverted position at high speed and a steep angle.

The impact resulted in two fatalities, claiming the lives of both the pilot and the passenger. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft inadvertently entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) while operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Meteorological data from the GOES-16 satellite and local stations indicated the presence of fog, low clouds, and heavy rain showers, with visibility and cloud ceilings falling below the legal minima for VFR operations in Class G airspace.

Investigators found that the pilot, while holding a commercial license and agricultural ratings, lacked the necessary Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) qualification. The investigation also noted that the presence of the passenger in the cockpit reduced the available physical space and shifted the aircraft's Center of Gravity (CG) beyond the rear limit, as the aircraft was not configured for two occupants. This weight imbalance likely contributed to difficulties in maintaining pitch control.

Findings

  • The pilot proceeded with the mission despite receiving information regarding adverse weather at the destination.
  • The aircraft entered a flight path similar to a graveyard spiral due to the pilot's lack of IFR proficiency and potential spatial disorientation caused by vestibular illusions.
  • The aircraft was operating with an unauthorized passenger, which violated both manufacturer limitations and regulatory standards.
  • The shift in the Center of Gravity toward the rear limit due to the passenger's weight and fuel configuration contributed to the loss of control.
  • The pilot demonstrated impairments in risk recognition and decision-making when faced with the transition from VFR to IMC.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions without IFR qualification, leading to unintended flight in IMC, spatial disorientation, and a subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-03-03 aircraft accident near JUÍNA, MT, BR?

An Air Tractor AT-402B crashed in Brazil after entering adverse weather conditions, resulting in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-03-03 involved a aircraft, registration PSJCB, at JUÍNA, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions without IFR qualification, leading to unintended flight in IMC, spatial disorientation, and a subsequent loss of control.

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