What happened
On March 23, 2015, at approximately 17:15 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202A, registration PT-UUP, crashed near Fazenda Anta Gorda II in Diamantino, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from the farm for an agricultural flight profile. While performing a left repositioning turn at low altitude, the aircraft lost lift and entered a spin. The aircraft impacted the ground at a steep angle of approximately 60 degrees with almost no horizontal displacement. The force of the impact caused the forward section of the aircraft to become buried in the soil, resulting in one fatality.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the individual operating the aircraft was hired as an agricultural assistant, responsible for tasks such as refueling and cleaning the aircraft, rather than as a pilot. Although the individual held a valid medical certificate, they did not possess the required Agricultural Pilot License (PAGA) nor the specific training or experience for this type of flight. While the farm administrator stated the assistant was not authorized to fly, the investigation found that the flight was being conducted using high-bank, ascending turns characteristic of agricultural operations.
Due to the fact that the accident resulted from a direct violation of existing aviation regulations—specifically regarding pilot certification and authorization—CENIPA opted to interrupt the investigation, noting that corrective safety actions rely on the strict observance of established regulations.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the required Agricultural Pilot License (PAGC).
- The pilot lacked specific training and experience for the type of flight being performed.
- The aircraft was operating at low altitude in an agricultural flight profile.
- The aircraft was performing turns with high bank angles.
- The pilot was not authorized to operate the aircraft as they were hired in an assistant capacity.