What happened
On October 20, 2016, an NEIVA EMB-202A, registration PT-UTV, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Ibirá, São Paulo. The aircraft departed from an uncertified landing strip at Gengibre Elisiário, heading toward Fazenda Mafalda. The flight was part of a series of spraying missions, and at the time of the accident, the pilot was performing the seventh flight of the day.
During a left-hand turn maneuver, the pilot attempted to pass underneath high-voltage power lines that crossed the field. The pilot noted that the aircraft was already too close to the wires to clear them from above. During this maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft struck the lower cables of the electrical network. The impact caused the wires to break and induced a loss of control, forcing the aircraft into a nose-down attitude. Due to the low altitude, the pilot was unable to recover, and the aircraft struck the ground, sliding several meters before coming to rest on its back.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA IV established that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and all maintenance records up to date. The engine was producing power at the moment of impact, and there were no indications of mechanical or system failures contributing to the event. Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR), with no significant wind or visibility restrictions.
The pilot was fully qualified, holding valid medical and agricultural pilot certifications, with 2,000 hours of experience in the aircraft type. The investigation also noted that the power lines crossing the area lacked any visible signaling or markers. The pilot had also reported approximately six hours of sleep prior to the flight, and his recent workload was within acceptable limits.
Findings
- The right wing of the PT-UTV collided with the high-voltage cables.
- The impact with the wires caused a loss of control and a subsequent impact with the terrain.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
- The pilot sustained serious injuries.
- The power lines lacked any identification or warning signs.
- Pilot judgment and the execution of flight controls during the maneuver were the primary contributing factors.