What happened
On September 29, 2020, at approximately 19:15 UTC, an EMB-201A aircraft, registration PT-UGP, was conducting a low-altitude inspection of active fire spots near Santa Terezinha, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had been performing agricultural seed application earlier in the day but was tasked with verifying nearby wildfires.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 15 meters over rugged, mountainous terrain, the pilot executed a high-bank turn to reposition the aircraft. During this maneuver, the aircraft's propeller struck the top of a tree, making it impossible to maintain the flight path. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot survived the impact uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine, magnetos, and propeller to determine if mechanical failure played a role. Although the pilot initially reported an engine failure, technical analysis of the propeller—which showed deformation and scuffing consistent with rotation at impact—and the engine components revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The magnetos were tested and found to be in normal working condition.
Investigators also noted that the visibility in the area was significantly degraded by smoke from nearby wildfires and low humidity. The investigation focused on the flight profile, the operational authorization of the operator, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The flight was conducted at an altitude of 15 meters, which was deemed incompatible with the reconnaissance mission profile and introduced unnecessary risk.
- Inadequate flight planning and poor pilot judgment regarding the high-bank maneuver contributed to the collision with obstacles.
- Reduced situational awareness and perception, likely exacerbated by smoke-induced visibility restrictions, contributed to the unintentional proximity to vegetation.
- The operator's management supervision was inadequate, as the company had not yet received authorization in its Operational Specifications to perform firefighting-related missions, and failed to identify risks in the flight plan.