What happened
On February 15, 2011, a Cessna A-188B, registration PR-AAK, was performing a ferry flight from Panambi to Tupanciretã, Brazil. While flying over a soybean plantation, the pilot decided to simulate an agricultural spraying maneuver to adjust the GPS and demonstrate the procedure to an agricultural assistant on board.
During this simulation, the aircraft descended to an altitude of approximately 30 feet. While attempting to maneuver between an electrical power line and a property fence, the aircraft struck a telephone fiber optic cable that was positioned just below the power line. The impact caused a loss of control, leading the aircraft to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently overturned approximately 150 meters from the initial impact site, resulting in severe damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, and landing gear.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was being operated in violation of several safety regulations. Although the aircraft was certified as a single-seat (monoplace) aircraft, the pilot had intentionally carried a passenger. Furthermore, the pilot conducted the low-altitude maneuver without having performed a prior reconnaissance of the area to identify obstacles.
Investigators found that the pilot's decision to fly at 30 feet over unpopulated areas violated the minimum VFR altitude requirements, which mandate a minimum of 500 feet above the ground in such environments. The investigation also noted that the operator lacked sufficient management oversight to prevent such regulatory non-compliance.