What happened
On December 31, 2021, at approximately 09:30 UTC, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration PR-VPR, was performing agricultural spraying operations in a rural area near Maracaí, São Paulo. The aircraft was executing a "carousel" flight pattern, which involves spraying non-continuous sections of terrain.
After completing a second application pass, the pilot attempted a repositioning turn to align for a new spray run. During this maneuver, the pilot experienced a sudden increase in bank angle, substantial aircraft vibration, and a sensation of changing wind direction. The aircraft subsequently lost control and collided with the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, including the fuselage, landing gear, wings, and propeller. The pilot survived the accident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and medical certification, with significant experience in the aircraft type. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with valid maintenance records and operating within weight and balance limits.
Physical evidence from the wreckage, specifically the condition of the propeller blades and engine exhaust, indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, ruling out engine failure as a cause. The investigation focused on the aerodynamic characteristics of the maneuver. Investigators noted that the pilot utilized a steeper bank angle than usual during the turn, which increases the stall speed. Furthermore, while the operator's safety management system included a program for "Recovery from Abnormal Attitudes," there was no evidence that this specific training had been implemented or performed by the pilot.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inadequate control inputs and pilot judgment, which led to the aircraft reaching its stall speed during a high-bank maneuver.
- The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude and airspeed during the turn prevented an effective recovery from the stall.
- Inadequate management oversight was identified as a contributing factor, as the operator lacked effective monitoring of flight planning and execution to identify potential operational risks.