What happened
On October 22, 2021, a Neiva EMB-720D (registration PT-VKS) was performing a private transport flight from São Miguel do Araguaia, GO, to a farm in Cocalinho, MT. The flight carried one pilot and five passengers. During the final approach to an unregistered landing area, the pilot became incapacitated, leaving the aircraft without control during the final moments of the descent.
The aircraft touched down with high vertical and horizontal forces, causing the plane to bounce multiple times. The impact was severe enough to cause the nose gear and the left main landing gear to detach from the airframe. Additionally, the right main landing gear pierced the right wing. After the aircraft came to a stop, the passengers shut down the engine and evacuated the cabin. All six occupants escaped without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight history, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's maintenance records. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate, and the aircraft was airworthy with up-to-date maintenance logs. The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits, and weather conditions were favorable for flight.
Investigators noted that the landing site was a private farm area not registered in the ANAC database, which was a deviation from standard operating regulations. The investigation also focused on the pilot's sudden loss of consciousness. While the passengers noticed the pilot was unresponsive and observed signs of a seizure after the aircraft stopped, the specific medical cause of the episode could not be determined.