What happened
On June 20, 2022, at approximately 21:10 UTC, an EMB-201A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UFA, crashed in the vicinity of Fazenda Mamão, near Arari, Maranhão. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Vitória to perform pesticide application services. During the operation, the aircraft lost altitude and collided with the terrain. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and fatal injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components, specifically the Lycoming IO-540-K1J5D. The investigation revealed significant irregularities regarding both the pilot's qualifications and the aircraft's airworthiness. The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate and an expired single-engine land rating, rendering him unqualified for the operation under Brazilian regulations.
Furthermore, the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate (CVA) had been expired since August 2021. Investigators also found that maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date, and the aircraft's logbook was not available for inspection. A technical analysis of the engine revealed evidence of severe degradation, including corrosion in the fuel pump, fuel servo, and distributor, as well as biological obstructions (resembling wasp or bee nests) within the fuel lines. The investigation also noted that the propeller blades showed backward deflection, indicating the engine was not producing power at the moment of impact.
Findings
- Engine failure due to fuel flow interruption caused by corrosion and biological obstructions in the fuel system.
- Inadequate engine maintenance and poor conservation of the propulsion system.
- The pilot was operating with expired medical and class ratings.
- The aircraft was not in an airworthy condition and lacked valid authorization to operate.
- Improper decision-making regarding the legality and safety of the flight operation.