What happened
On March 23, 2023, at approximately 14:20 UTC, an EMB-203 agricultural aircraft, registration PS-SCX, was performing aerial spraying operations over Fazenda Chaparral in Porto dos Gaúchos, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was conducting its seventh flight of the day when, during a reversal maneuver, the pilot noticed a fluctuation in the spraying system's pressure gauge. While focusing on the instrument inside the nacelle to investigate the pressure change, the pilot suddenly identified a low-voltage power line directly in the flight path.
In an attempt to avoid a collision with the electrical lines, the pilot executed a maneuver to fly beneath the cables. During this descent, the aircraft struck the plantation crops and subsequently impacted the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot emerged from the accident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding a valid Commercial Pilot license with appropriate agricultural and single-engine ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. The aircraft, a 2022 model, was within its weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate. Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were all up to date.
Investigators examined the flight path and noted that the spraying pattern followed the plantation rows, which were oriented perpendicular to the power lines. This orientation necessitated altitude changes to avoid obstacles. The investigation also noted that the propeller blades showed backward bending, indicating the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, consistent with an abrupt maneuvering descent.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was momentarily diverted from flight management to monitor the spraying system's pressure gauge.
- The flight path was perpendicular to the electrical lines, increasing the necessity for altitude-based obstacle avoidance.
- Cloud cover reduced ambient light, which likely hindered the early detection of the power lines.
- The pilot'made a decision to fly under the wires when the aircraft was already too close to the obstacle, leading to the ground impact.
- Contributing factors included improper application of flight controls, loss of attention, and errors in pilot judgment.