What happened
On April 18, 2020, at approximately 20:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-711C, registration PT-NNT, was performing a local private flight departing from Birigui, São Paulo. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and three passengers, all of whom were family members of the pilot.
During the flight, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, the pilot reported hearing the stall warning horn. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in an open field, but the aircraft struck two perimeter fences before coming to a stop. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, including the fuselage, wings, landing gear, engine, propeller, and stabilizers. Despite the significant impact, all four occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and the pilot's credentials. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with valid maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe. Fuel and oil samples showed no signs of contamination, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
The investigation also focused on the pilot's experience. While the pilot held a valid medical certificate and single-engine land rating, investigators could not verify recent flight experience due to unupdated digital flight logs. Although the pilot claimed approximately 180 total flight hours, the available records only showed 49 hours. Additionally, the aircraft logs indicated the pilot had only 9 hours and 20 minutes of experience specifically in the Embraer EMB-711C.
Findings
- The pilot was performing low-altitude, low-speed turns to allow passengers to photograph the terrain below.
- The pilot's inadequate assessment of operational parameters and improper flight control inputs led to an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.
- The presence of young family members on board may have reduced the pilot's situational awareness during the maneuvers.
- The pilot's recent flight experience could not be confirmed, and the possibility of insufficient experience contributing to the event remains undetermined.