What happened
On April 9, 2014, at approximately 10:00 UTC, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-VZI, was performing its first flight of the day for agricultural spraying operations at the Fazenda Alto Paraíso aerodrome in Patos de Minas, MG. The aircraft was carrying 100 liters of ethanol and 500 kilograms of agricultural product.
During the takeoff roll on runway 09, the pilot's vision was obscured by intense sunlight. This loss of visibility caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, which veered off the runway and entered a cornfield. The aircraft traveled approximately 100 meters through the crop before capsizing and coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the pilot's qualifications and the aircraft's airworthiness. The pilot held valid medical and technical certifications and was considered qualified for the operation, with 415 total hours in the model, including 70 hours within the previous 30 days. The aircraft was found to be in compliance with weight and balance limits, and all maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date.
Findings
- The pilot's inadequate assessment of the runway heading led to a takeoff roll directly into the sun's glare.
- The pilot failed to utilize the opposite runway (runway 27), which would have avoided the solar glare.
- The loss of visual reference during the takeoff roll resulted in the loss of directional control.