What happened
On May 22, 2013, an Embraer EMB-201A, registration PT-GQK, departed from Fazenda Ponderosa in Rio Brilhante, Mato Grosso do Sul, to perform agricultural spraying operations over a sugarcane plantation. During the climb, the pilot encountered a low layer of fog that rapidly thickened into dense stratiform clouds, significantly degrading visual flight conditions.
In an attempt to regain visual references, the pilot climbed to altitudes between 1,000 and 1,500 feet, but the weather conditions persisted for approximately one hour. With low fuel autonomy, the pilot eventually descended until visual contact with the ground was re-established. The pilot jettisoned the spray load and attempted a landing in a plowed field. Due to the deep furrows in the terrain, the main landing gear acted as a pivot, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest on its back. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, engine, fuselage, cockpit, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was flying without an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating, and the aircraft was not certified for IFR operations. Despite the deteriorating visibility, the pilot chose to continue the mission to fulfill the spraying contract. Meteorological reports from nearby stations confirmed the presence of dense fog and poor horizontal and vertical visibility in the area. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications and that the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning
- Adverse meteorological conditions
- Lack of managerial supervision