What happened
On September 5, 2019, an agricultural spraying operation involving a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-USO, resulted in an aircraft accident in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Taim Aero Agrícola Ltda, was performing spraying maneuvers over a farmland area.
During the completion of the first load, the pilot attempted to pass beneath an overhead power distribution network. While maneuvering the aircraft at a low altitude to clear the lines, the pilot applied left rudder to correct for drift, causing the left main landing gear to strike the uneven ground. Following the impact, the pilot proceeded to land at the Fazenda Granja Santa Maria landing area. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's momentum caused it to rotate 180 degrees before coming to a stop at the edge of the landing area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight maneuvers and the risk management protocols in place at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, noting that while the airworthiness certificate was valid, the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller lacked properly completed opening terms.
The investigation also reviewed the operator's Safety Risk Management (SRM) process. While a global risk assessment had classified the operational area as "tolerable," the investigation found that there was no specific risk analysis conducted for each individual field block (quarteirão). The investigation noted that the pilot had performed both aerial and ground reconnaissance of the area prior to the operation, but failed to adequately identify the specific hazards posed by the terrain elevations and the power lines during the low-altitude maneuver.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to fly at an extremely low altitude beneath the power lines was a primary contributing factor.
- The pilot's attitude, decision-making process, and piloting judgment contributed to the occurrence.
- The presence of uneven terrain due to soil preparation for rice planting increased the risk of ground contact.
- The operator's risk management lacked individual assessments for specific flight blocks within the operational area.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits at the time of the impact.