What happened
On April 23, 2015, at approximately 12:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-201 Neiva, registration PT-GIG, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Confresa, Mato Grosso. While executing a repositioning maneuver during the application of herbicide to pastureland, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently collided with dense vegetation located on a steep incline.
The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators encountered significant challenges during the field investigation. Upon arrival at the site, it was noted that aircraft debris had been moved prior to the commencement of official data collection. Furthermore, the instrument panel had been removed from the wreckage, and specific sections of the airframe containing nationality and registration markings had been scraped and cut away in an apparent attempt to obscure the aircraft's identity. Despite these efforts, investigators successfully identified the aircraft as PT-GIG.
The investigation was also hindered by the lack of access to the aircraft's maintenance logs, including the engine, propeller, and airframe logbooks. Because the investigation revealed evidence of intentional illegal acts related to the wreckage, the authorities noted that the investigation's ability to provide new preventive knowledge was compromised.
Findings
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness was suspended because the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) had expired.
- The pilot held a valid medical certificate and a valid agricultural pilot rating.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR).
- The loss of control during a maneuver led to the impact with dense vegetation.