What happened
On April 18, 2022, a PA-25-235 agricultural aircraft, registration PT-WCQ, was performing aerial application maneuvers at Fazenda Boa Vista in the municipality of Cabeceiras, Goiás. The aircraft was conducting its sixth flight of the day, operating in a routine repositioning pattern. During a left-hand reversal turn, the aircraft collided with the ground near a recently installed grain silo. The impact caused substantial damage to the engine, propeller, wings, fuel tank, and hopper. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage, meteorological data, and the pilot's flight history. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the engine was producing power at the time of impact, and the meteorological conditions met the minimum requirements for agricultural operations. Analysis of the wreckage, including symmetrical damage to the wing leading edges and the condition of the propeller blades, supported the hypothesis that the aircraft entered a spin or experienced a loss of lift during the maneuver. Investigators also noted that the flight profile used—a 130/310-degree heading—was being applied to a smaller field, which necessitated more frequent turns and left less time for level flight.
Findings
- The pilot was qualified and experienced in agricultural aviation and the specific aircraft type.
- A newly installed silo acted as a significant obstacle in the flight path.
- The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits with up-to-date maintenance records.
- Inadequate assessment of flight parameters during the turn likely led to a progressive decrease in airspeed at the apex of the maneuver, making the aircraft susceptible to a stall or spin.
- The decision to maintain a previous flight pattern despite the presence of new obstacles suggested deficiencies in flight planning and decision-making.