What happened
On April 6, 2018, a Neiva EMB-201, registration PT-GFO, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Jandaia, Goiás. The aircraft took off from the Denusa Fazenda Aerodrome for a local flight to apply pesticides. After approximately 15 minutes of flight, the engine stopped functioning.
The pilot had initially fueled the aircraft with 60 liters of ethanol, distributed with 20 liters in the left wing tank and 40 liters in the right wing tank. The flight plan intended to consume the fuel from the left tank first before switching to the right. While the first spraying pass was completed normally, the engine failed during the second pass. Due to the low altitude at the time of the failure, the pilot was unable to switch fuel tanks to attempt a restart, necessitating an emergency landing in a wooded area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot held valid medical and agricultural pilot certifications and possessed the necessary experience for the flight type. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and all airworthiness documentation, including engine and propeller logs, was up to date. Meteorological conditions were reported as favorable for the operation.
The investigation revealed that the operator failed to immediately notify the aeronautical accident investigation authority (SIPAER), with investigators learning of the event through third parties. Furthermore, the initial investigation took place 19 days after the occurrence, by which time the aircraft had been moved and partially disassembled, making it impossible to verify the exact amount of remaining fuel in the tanks.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion in the left tank because the pilot failed to switch the fuel selector valve to the right tank.
- A memory lapse regarding the fuel switching procedure contributed to the event.
- The aircraft was operating with a fuel imbalance (20 liters in the left tank versus 40 liters in the right) which increased the risk of fuel starvation if the selector was not moved.
Safety action
CENIPA issued the following recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC):
- To work with the operator, Xingu Aero Agrícola Ltda., to reinforce the legal obligation to report all aeronautical occurrences and follow proper procedures for the removal and repair of involved aircraft.
- To disseminate the findings of this investigation to alert agricultural pilots and operators regarding the importance of monitoring fuel tank selection to prevent engine flameouts.