What happened
On February 12, 2008, an EMB-201A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-GYY, was performing crop dusting operations near Luiziânia, São Paulo. After completing a spraying pass, the pilot attempted to return to an improvised landing strip.
While executing a left-hand turn to transition from the upwind leg to the final approach, the pilot performed a steep, low-altitude maneuver known in agricultural aviation as a "balloon." This maneuver involved pulling the nose up and banking sharply to gain enough altitude to align with the runway in the opposite direction. During this climb, the aircraft lost control and collided violently with the ground. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered severe damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight sequence and the aircraft's condition following the impact. The investigation noted that the pilot's maneuver was significantly outside the standard traffic pattern procedures, which require specific altitudes and flight paths.
Investigators found evidence suggesting the possible use of non-standard fuel, as a strong odor of alcohol was detected near the engine's fuel injectors and hoses. A witness also reported seeing dense black smoke and hearing engine noises typical of a failure during the climb. However, a definitive technical analysis of the engine was impossible because the aircraft owner removed the engine from the crash site before investigators could examine it, which resulted in the loss of critical evidence.
Findings
- The pilot's inadequate judgment regarding the aircraft's response to an aggressive pitch and bank maneuver during the turn contributed to the accident.
- The aircraft likely experienced a stall due to the high angle of attack and low altitude, leaving no margin for recovery.
- A potential engine failure, possibly triggered by the use of unapproved alcohol-based fuel, may have caused a rapid loss of airspeed and subsequent loss of lift.
- The pilot's decision to fly a non-standard, low-altitude traffic pattern significantly increased the risk of the occurrence.