Fatal Crop Dusting Accident Involving Air Tractor AT-502B in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR

A single-engine Air Tractor AT-502B crashed during a pesticide spraying operation in Brazil, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On April 30, 2013, an AT-502B agricultural aircraft, registration PR-VAR, was performing crop dusting operations at Fazenda Bom Jesus in Campo Novo do Parecis, Mato Grosso. The flight was part of a series of pesticide spraying passes over the farm.

At approximately 17:32 local time, immediately following the completion of the final spraying pass of the day, the aircraft crashed into the ground. The impact occurred at an angle of approximately 60 degrees, causing the forward section of the fuselage to rupture as it buried into the terrain. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators analyzed GPS data retrieved from the aircraft's Satloc Bantam unit, which provided flight profiles including altitude, heading, and speed. The data indicated that at the moment the recording ceased, the aircraft was at an altitude of 526 meters, traveling at 128 knots on a heading of 090 degrees.

Witness accounts suggested the pilot may have attempted a high-stress maneuver, such as a stall turn, to align the aircraft with a runway located nearly 90 degrees to the right. Investigators also examined the pilot's psychological state on the day of the accident. It was noted that the pilot had been called to perform unplanned flights that afternoon, which had caused him significant stress and anxiety. Witnesses described the pilot as appearing nervous and eager to complete the work as quickly as possible.

Findings

  • The pilot was operating under significant stress and anxiety due to unplanned flight duties and a desire to finish the mission quickly.
  • The pilot may have attempted an unplanned and daring maneuver, such as a stall turn, which was incompatible with the aircraft type, the altitude, and the pilot's specific qualifications.
  • A possible loss of situational awareness or spatial disorientation may have occurred during the execution of the maneuver.
  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate.

Probable cause

The accident was likely caused by the pilot attempting an unauthorized and high-risk maneuver, such as a stall turn, driven by an emotional state of stress and anxiety, which led to a loss of control at a low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-04-30 aircraft accident near CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR?

A single-engine Air Tractor AT-502B crashed during a pesticide spraying operation in Brazil, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-04-30 involved a aircraft, registration PRVAR, at CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was likely caused by the pilot attempting an unauthorized and high-risk maneuver, such as a stall turn, driven by an emotional state of stress and anxiety, which led to a loss of control at a low altitude.

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