What happened
On November 16, 2022, at approximately 16:20 UTC, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-UFY, was performing an agricultural spraying mission at the Patella landing area in Santa Vitória do Palmar, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Chuí Aviação Agrícola Ltda.-ME, was conducting a local flight when, during the landing roll, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered toward the right side of the landing area, struck an irrigation ditch, and subsequently overturned. The pilot was the sole occupant and escaped the accident without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and the operational environment. The pilot was found to be fully qualified with a valid medical certificate and appropriate agricultural ratings. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and its airworthiness certificate was valid. While the investigation noted that the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date, no mechanical failures or engine malfunctions were identified as contributing to the accident.
Regarding the environment, the investigation noted that the landing strip was a dirt surface with dimensions significantly narrower than recorded in the operator's safety documentation. The strip was flanked by irrigation ditches approximately 1.5 meters deep and 3 meters wide. The pilot reported that a sudden gust of wind from the left and tail caused the left wing to lift, making the aircraft difficult to control; however, investigators could not verify this due to a lack of local wind measurement instruments. Because the pilot was operating in this specific location for the first time, the investigation focused on the adequacy of the operational risk management tools provided by the operator.
Findings
- Inadequate use of flight controls contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- The operator's Safety Risk Management (GRSO) documentation for the landing area failed to identify critical hazards, such as the presence of the lateral ditches, the lack of escape areas, or the risk of crosswinds.
- The safety documentation contained inaccurate dimensions regarding the width of the landing strip.
- Deficiencies in flight preparation and inadequate managerial supervision regarding the identification of operational risks in agricultural landing areas were identified as contributing factors.