What happened
On November 26, 2017, at approximately 12:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-VUU, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Nossa Senhora Aparecida I, located in São Desidério, Bahia. The aircraft departed from an improvised landing strip to conduct pesticide application. During the execution of a reversing turn maneuver, the aircraft struck electrical power lines. The impact forced the pilot to perform an emergency landing. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and damage to the electrical infrastructure. The pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA II established that the pilot held valid medical and flight certifications, including Single-Engine Land (MNTE) and Agricultural Pilot (Pervaga) ratings, and possessed relevant experience for the operation. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was also valid at the time of the occurrence.
However, investigators noted that the aircraft was being operated by an individual other than the operator registered in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB). Furthermore, the person identified as the current owner/operator stated that the flights were being conducted without the required mandatory insurance. A significant obstacle to the investigation was the unauthorized removal of the aircraft from the site, which led to the alteration of the accident scene and prevented a definitive analysis of the contributing factors.