What happened
On October 11, 2016, an Embraer EMB-202, registration PT-AQS, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a rice field in Alegrete, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Voaar Aviação Agrícola Ltda, was carrying 600 liters of herbicide at the time of the accident. During one of the spraying passes, the aircraft's landing gear made contact with the crops. Following this contact, the aircraft traveled approximately 200 meters before colliding with a tree. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine, propeller, landing gear, and left wing. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation initially focused on a report from the pilot claiming a loss of engine power during a fuel tank switch. However, subsequent analysis of the fuel revealed it was clean, free of water or solids, and met all regulatory specifications. Physical inspections of the engine, propeller flange, and magnetos showed no mechanical abnormalities or deformations.
In a second interview, the pilot clarified that an engine failure may not have occurred, but rather that the aircraft had inadvertently touched the ground due to flying at an extremely low altitude. Investigators noted that the pilot was maintaining a height of only 2 to 3 meters above the crops to stay below nearby electrical power lines, which were positioned at approximately 10 meters above the ground. Given the aircraft's height and wingspan, the margin of safety between the aircraft and the obstacles was critically small. Additionally, environmental factors, including localized turbulence caused by the undulating terrain (coxilhas) and variable winds, were considered as factors that could have destabilized the aircraft during the low-level maneuver.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and experienced in agricultural flight operations.
- The aircraft was airworthy, properly loaded, and within weight and balance limits.
- The fuel was found to be uncontaminated and compliant with standards.
- The engine and ignition components were functioning normally.
- Inadequate maneuvering clearance due to the extremely low flight altitude relative to ground obstacles and power lines.
- Potential atmospheric turbulence contributed to the loss of control during the low-level pass.