What happened
On October 2, 2020, at approximately 09:20 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-VZQ, was performing an agricultural spraying mission at Fazenda São José in Nova Andradina, Mato Grosso do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Aviax Aviação Agrícola Ltda., was intended to apply fungicide to a sugarcane plantation.
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll only 50 meters from the end of the unpaved runway. During the takeoff run, the pilot noticed insufficient airspeed and adjusted the flaps to the 20° setting. After the aircraft briefly left the ground and returned to the runway, the pilot applied maximum flap deflection (30°). While the aircraft eventually rotated, it failed to maintain a sufficient climb gradient. The aircraft's spray boom struck the surrounding sugarcane crops, and the plane subsequently impacted the ground 116 meters beyond the opposite end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot was unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial and agricultural licenses, and possessed sufficient flight experience. The aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance records up to date, and was operating within its weight and balance limits. The engine was found to be producing power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by the deformation of the propeller blades.
Investigators determined that the takeoff required approximately 901 meters of runway under the prevailing conditions (22°C, 1,400 ft pressure altitude, and no wind). By starting the takeoff roll only 50 meters from the end of the 900-meter runway, the pilot was operating under marginal safety conditions. Furthermore, the use of high flap settings (20° and 30°) during the takeoff roll increased aerodynamic drag, which, combined with the aircraft's weight, hindered the climb performance.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning and preparation, specifically regarding the failure to properly evaluate the required takeoff distance relative to the available runway length.
- Improper use of flight controls, as the application of high flap settings during takeoff was an improvised procedure that increased drag and prevented a safe climb gradient.
- Errors in pilot judgment and decision-making regarding the takeoff attempt under marginal conditions.
- Inadequate managerial supervision regarding the oversight of operational planning and execution within the organization.