Loss of Control During Agricultural Maneuver Leads to Aircraft Crash in Maranhão

Casualties unknown • ARARI, MA, BR

A Neiva EMB-202 aircraft experienced a stall and struck a tree during a landing approach in Arari, Brazil, resulting in substantial damage and minor injuries.

What happened

On November 24, 2017, at approximately 09:40 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-URV, was performing a flight to verify Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) equipment during a simulated agricultural application near Arari, Maranhão. The flight originated from a landing area at Fazenda Mamão.

During the return leg of the flight, the pilot attempted to align the aircraft with the runway by performing an agricultural reversal turn (often called a 'balão' turn). During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and entered a stall. Although the pilot successfully recovered from the stall, the aircraft's right wing struck an 8-meter-tall tree located near the side of the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft rotated 180 degrees and came to rest in a marshy, forested area.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.

Probable cause

The investigation established that the aircraft entered a stall due to an uncoordinated turn that likely exceeded the manufacturer's structural load and bank angle limits. Specifically, the pilot may have exceeded the +2.0 G limit and the 60-degree bank angle limit while operating with flaps extended, potentially attempting to shorten the traffic pattern due to the presence of another aircraft on final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-11-24 aircraft accident near ARARI, MA, BR?

A Neiva EMB-202 aircraft experienced a stall and struck a tree during a landing approach in Arari, Brazil, resulting in substantial damage and minor injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-11-24 involved a aircraft, registration PTURV, at ARARI, MA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation established that the aircraft entered a stall due to an uncoordinated turn that likely exceeded the manufacturer's structural load and bank angle limits. Specifically, the pilot may have exceeded the +2.0 G limit and the 60-degree bank angle limit while operating with flaps extended, potentially…

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