What happened
On April 13, 2017, at approximately 13:00 UTC, an Air Tractor AT-401B, registration PT-XTU, was conducting agricultural operations in the rural area of Bandeirantes, Paraná. The aircraft, operated by APC Servico Aereo Especializado Ltda. - ME, had initially departed from the Bandeirantes Aerodrome (SSBR) to apply fungicide to a sugarcane crop. After completing the application and refueling, the pilot proceeded to perform a reconnaissance flight of a different area intended for future spraying.
During this reconnaissance phase, the aircraft struck low-voltage electrical power lines that were positioned 15 meters above the ground. The impact caused the wires to become entangled with the aircraft, creating significant drag. The aircraft was unable to maintain flight and traveled approximately 600 meters before impacting a sugarcane plantation. The aircraft slid for 30 meters before coming to a halt. The pilot sustained light injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, landing gear, and wings.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that while the pilot held valid medical and aeronautical licenses and the aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate, several operational and organizational deficiencies were present. Investigators found that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the cell, engine, and propeller lacked updated entries regarding the personnel who performed certain previous inspections. Additionally, the operator reported that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, Certificate of Registration, and Flight Log had been stolen.
Regarding the flight execution, the investigation noted that although the pilot was aware of the existence of electrical lines in the area, the uneven terrain prevented them from spotting the specific location of the wires. The investigation also highlighted a lack of formal flight planning, as the pilot failed to precisely identify the location of obstacles rather than merely knowing they existed.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning: The pilot did not precisely identify the location of obstacles in the operational area.
- Poor piloting judgment: The pilot conducted the reconnaissance flight at an unnecessarily low altitude, which contributed to the collision.
- Organizational deficiencies: The company's safety management structure was compromised because the pilot also served as the company's Safety Manager, leading to a lack of independent managerial supervision.
- Decision-making and attitude: The pilot's actions and decision-making processes failed to adhere to safe operational procedures.