What happened
On February 5, 2008, an EMB-201A aircraft, registration PT-GVQ, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a plantation at Fazenda Cambará, near Correntuna, Bahia. After completing a 30-minute spraying mission, the pilot performed a low-level pass over the crops. During this pass, the aircraft entered a near-vertical climb. As the aircraft reached the apex of the climb, it lost airspeed and entered an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently entered a steep dive and collided with the ground at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight controls, engine, and fuel systems, finding no mechanical failures or abnormalities in the flight cables, oil, ignition, or fuel systems. The investigation established that the aircraft was not designed or certified for aerobatic maneuvers. While the pilot was qualified for agricultural spraying, they lacked the specific training and certification required for aerobatic flight. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was suspended and its maintenance records were outdated. Witnesses noted that the pilot frequently performed aggressive maneuvers for recreation following the completion of work tasks.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline: The pilot performed unauthorized aerobatic maneuvers in an aircraft not rated for such activities.
- Inadequate flight planning: The mission profile shifted from agricultural spraying to an unplanned aerial demonstration without proper risk assessment.
- Lack of specialized training: The pilot possessed experience in agricultural aviation but lacked the necessary training for aerobatic flight.
- Inadequate oversight: The aircraft owner had delegated operational supervision entirely to the pilot, allowing high-risk maneuvers to occur without managerial intervention.
- Maintenance and regulatory non-compliance: The aircraft was operating with a suspended airworthiness certificate and expired maintenance intervals, and the pilot was flying with an expired medical certificate.