What happened
On March 3, 2014, at approximately 11:26 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UHL, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Cana Brava in Carolina, Maranhão. The aircraft, operated by Skytec Aviação Agrícola Ltda., departed from the farm's airstrip for a local flight.
During the third flight of the day, after completing a left-hand turn following takeoff, the aircraft proceeded at a low altitude toward the application area. During this maneuver, the left wing struck the top of a eucalyptus tree, which stood approximately 30 meters tall. The impact caused the wing to shift backward and partially rupture the wing root. This loss of control led to a left roll, causing the aircraft to strike the roof of a farm warehouse. The impact destroyed part of the structure and a tractor located inside. A fire broke out immediately following the collision, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot was experienced and held valid medical and flight certifications. The aircraft was also in a condition of airworthiness, with all maintenance logs up to date, and was within weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
The investigation focused on the pilot's flight patterns. It was noted that the pilot frequently performed low-altitude passes over the farm facilities before and after spraying operations, some of which were captured on video by farm employees. Investigators determined that the pilot's decision to fly at such low altitudes near structures and trees increased the risk of collision.
Findings
- The pilot's complacent attitude toward flight safety contributed to the accident.
- Flight indiscipline, specifically the practice of performing low-altitude passes, increased the risk profile of the operation.
- Poor piloting judgment regarding obstacle clearance led to the initial collision with the trees.