What happened
On November 24, 2021, at approximately 11:30 UTC, a Cessna A188B, registration PT-FFD, was performing low-altitude agricultural chemical application maneuvers over a farm in João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais. During the operation, the aircraft lost control and collided with the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including the separation of the right wing and destruction of the forward fuselage. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. Investigators found that no residual fuel remained in the aircraft tanks, and the lack of refueling records suggested possible fuel mismanagement. The investigation also examined the aircraft's systems, noting that the stall warning system circuit breaker had been pulled, which would have prevented the pilot from receiving an audible alert. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's credentials, finding that the pilot's medical certificate had expired in September 2021 and that the pilot was not qualified to conduct this specific type of flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident is attributed to fuel exhaustion, which likely triggered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- The deactivation of the stall warning system prevented the pilot from perceiving the critical flight condition.
- Inadequate judgment regarding altitude, airspeed, and attitude parameters contributed to the stall.
- Ineffective organizational and managerial oversight resulted in the pilot operating with an expired medical certificate and without the proper qualifications for the mission.
- A lack of control over aircraft loading, specifically regarding fuel and chemical quantities, indicated inadequate flight planning.