Two Fatalities in Embraer EMB-201A Collision with Wire Cable

Casualties unknown • SÃO FÉLIX DO XINGÚ, PA, BR

An Embraer EMB-201A aircraft crashed in São Félix do Xingu, Brazil, after striking an improvised wire cable used for a zipline, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On December 3, 2021, at approximately 19:50 UTC, an Embraer EMB-201A (registration PT-UBV) crashed in a forested area near Fazenda Verde, in the municipality of São Félix do Xingu, Pará. The aircraft, operated by Prosollos Corretivos Agrícolas Ltda.-EPP, had departed from a nearby agricultural landing strip for a local reconnaissance flight to survey an area for future pesticide application.

During the flight, the aircraft struck a wire cable that had been strung between two trees to serve as an improvised zipline for transporting wooden stakes. The impact caused the propeller to fail and the aircraft to strike the terrain. The collision resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and substantial damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding area, finding broken wire strands entangled around the engine and propeller. Analysis of the propeller blades revealed multiple impacts and structural failures consistent with an overload caused by striking the wire. The engine, a Textron Lycoming IO-540-K1J5D, showed no signs of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the impact.

Investigators also noted that the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 18 meters. This was significantly below the minimum required altitude of 150 feet (approx. 45 meters) over terrain specified by aviation regulations (ICA 100-12). Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was operating with a passenger, which exceeded the maximum certified configuration of a single pilot for this specific model.

Findings

  • The pilot was fully qualified with valid medical and aeronautical certifications.
  • The aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance logs and inspections up to date.
  • The weather conditions were suitable for flight.
  • The aircraft was operating in violation of the manufacturer's type specification by carrying a passenger.
  • The flight was conducted at an altitude below the regulatory minimums for visual flight rules (VFR).
  • The collision with the improvised wire cable was the primary cause of the accident.
  • Contributing factors included issues with pilot attention, attitude, and flight planning.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft colliding with an improvised wire cable used as a zipline during a low-altitude reconnaissance flight, compounded by the aircraft operating outside of its certified passenger capacity and below regulatory minimum altitudes.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-12-03 aircraft accident near SÃO FÉLIX DO XINGÚ, PA, BR?

An Embraer EMB-201A aircraft crashed in São Félix do Xingu, Brazil, after striking an improvised wire cable used for a zipline, resulting in two fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-12-03 involved a aircraft, registration PTUBV, at SÃO FÉLIX DO XINGÚ, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft colliding with an improvised wire cable used as a zipline during a low-altitude reconnaissance flight, compounded by the aircraft operating outside of its certified passenger capacity and below regulatory minimum altitudes.

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