What happened
On February 15, 2012, at approximately 13:00 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UIL, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a rice field in Arroio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was engaged in a crop application mission when the pilot encountered overhead electrical lines near the end of a potential landing strip.
During the maneuver, the aircraft successfully cleared the first set of electrical wires. However, while attempting to fly beneath a second set of lines, the left landing gear struck the wire. This impact caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading to a collision with the ground. The pilot survived the accident uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, and left wing. The collision also caused damage to the electrical infrastructure.
The investigation
The investigation by CENIPA confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, with 1,114 total flight hours, including 325 hours in the specific aircraft model. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and all maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. The aircraft was also within its proper weight and balance limits.
During the initial investigation, inspectors noted that the circuit breaker for the stall warning horn had been pulled.