What happened
On December 20, 2021, at approximately 14:00 UTC, an EMB-202 agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UMU, was performing a fertilizer spraying operation at Fazenda Santa Vergínia in Santa Rita do Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul. The aircraft had departed from the local private aerodrome (SIOT) earlier that day to treat eucalyptus plantations.
During the return leg of the mission, the aircraft struck the tops of eucalyptus trees. The impact caused the aircraft to lose altitude and become lodged vertically among the trees. Following the collision, a fire broke out, consuming the airframe. Although the pilot managed to evacuate the wreckage and was initially conscious, the pilot succumbed to injuries sustained during the accident the following morning.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage, the engine, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was operating within its approved weight and balance limits, with a takeoff weight of approximately 1,255 kg against a maximum of 1,800 kg. The aircraft had been converted to operate on ethanol, and its special flight authorization was valid.
Analysis of the propeller showed deformations at the tips, which indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. While the engine and fuel injectors showed signs of carbonization, investigators determined this was the result of the post-crash fire rather than a mechanical failure. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft's maintenance logs for the cell and engine were not updated to the current month, the most recent 100-hour inspection had been completed approximately 30 days prior.
Findings
- The aircraft collided with the tops of eucalyptus trees.
- The aircraft lost altitude and became trapped within the plantation.
- The fire was initiated after the final impact and the aircraft came to a stop.
- Pilot judgment regarding the decision to perform a final spraying pass despite changing weather conditions contributed to the accident.
- The pilot's decision to continue the operation after a ground crew member suggested stopping due to wind and temperature limits near the dispersion thresholds was a key factor.