What happened
On October 24, 2016, at approximately 18:30 UTC, a Cessna A188B, registration PT-WUR, was conducting a seeding operation near Arambaré, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Flor da Praia in Camaquã to perform agricultural work at Fazenda Lagoa Preta. During the mission, the aircraft collided with an irrigation canal. Following the impact, the pilot jettisoned the aircraft's load and successfully proceeded to land at the destination farm.
The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the wingtip and the wing root of the left wing. The pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was familiar with the seeding area and was aware of the irrigation canal's location. In an effort to maximize the use of cultivable land, the pilot chose to fly as close to the obstacle as possible. While flying parallel to the canal, the aircraft drifted too close to the structure, causing the left wing to strike the canal.
Investigators determined that maintaining a low flight altitude restricted the pilot's field of view regarding external obstacles. This reduction in visibility compromised the pilot's situational awareness and spatial perception. At the moment of impact, the pilot believed the aircraft was maintaining a safe distance from the obstacle, indicating an inadequate perception of the aircraft's proximity to the ground and the canal.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the safe distance required from the irrigation canal.
- Impaired perception of the aircraft's position relative to external obstacles due to low-altitude flight.
- Flawed decision-making process concerning the proximity to the obstacle in pursuit of covering more land.
- The pilot held valid medical and flight certifications, and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits.