What happened
On April 18, 2013, at approximately 12:20 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UKA, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a corn plantation at Fazenda Padrão, located in Chapadão do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul. Operated by Tenoar Aviação Agrícola, the aircraft was executing its final spray pass when it struck high-voltage power cables. Following the collision with the lines, the aircraft crashed into the plantation ground.
The impact resulted in significant damage to the aircraft's engine group, fuselage, wings, and landing gear. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained light injuries but was able to exit the wreckage.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA IV, confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding both a valid medical certificate and a valid technical pilot certificate, with extensive experience totaling 10,000 flight hours, 5,000 of which were in this specific model. The aircraft was also found to be in a valid airworthy condition and was operating within its proper weight and balance limits.
Investigators established that the primary sequence of events involved the aircraft's contact with the electrical infrastructure during the low-altitude maneuvering required for crop dusting. The investigation also noted that the pilot had been provided with guidance regarding the avoidance of unnecessary risks and the importance of strict adherence to Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations.
Findings
- The aircraft struck high-voltage cables during the final application pass.
- Collision with high-voltage lines was the direct cause of the subsequent ground impact.