What happened
On August 15, 2015, at approximately 14:00 UTC, an EMB 202 aircraft, registration PT-ULO, was performing a low-altitude transit flight between Fazenda Smith and Fazenda Murara in Cantá, Roraima. The pilot was flying at a low altitude to visually inspect and mark a specific area on a GPS for future agricultural spraying operations.
While flying near the BR-401 highway, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines. The impact occurred against the right wingtip, the propeller, and part of the cockpit. The collision caused the breakage of three utility poles and the severing of the electrical lines. Following the impact, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power and difficulty maintaining control of the aircraft. To avoid further catastrophe, the pilot executed a forced landing approximately 300 meters from the site of the collision. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was experienced in the region and held valid technical qualifications for single-engine landplanes and agricultural operations. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate, though investigators noted that the engine logbook entries were not up to date.
The pilot reported being aware of the existence of the electrical network in the area but mistakenly believed the wires were located on the opposite side of the highway relative to the flight path. The investigation also noted that the decision to mark the spraying area during the flight was made mid-flight to save time and reduce costs.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning regarding the identification and verification of obstacles along the flight path.
- Reduced situational awareness potentially caused by overconfidence due to the pilot's familiarity with the local area.
- The pilot's focus on marking GPS coordinates during the flight may have contributed to the failure to perceive the wires in time for evasive maneuvers.