What happened
On December 6, 2019, at approximately 10:50 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202A, registration PT-UXJ, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a rice field at Fazenda Santa Maria in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. The aircraft, operated by Taim Aero Agricola Ltda, was engaged in a repetitive sequence of low-altitude applications.
During the 17th application of the day, the pilot attempted to land at the local airstrip. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a sudden deceleration, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently overturned, coming to rest on its back. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's wreckage and interviewed the pilot to determine the cause of the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and medical certification. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with all maintenance logs up to date and the aircraft operating within proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
Investigators discovered that the parking brake was engaged at the time of the accident. Analysis of the wreckage showed that the wheels were locked. The pilot reported that during the 14th takeoff of the day, he had noticed the aircraft accelerating more slowly than usual, which led him to realize the parking brake had been left engaged. He had subsequently released the brake to continue the flight. However, during the 17th takeoff, the pilot likely failed to release the brake again.
Findings
- The pilot failed to release the parking brake during the takeoff sequence.
- The high engine power during the earlier takeoff was sufficient to overcome the resistance of the engaged brake, masking the error.
- During the landing phase, the engaged brake caused a sudden, uncontrolled deceleration.
- The repetitive and automated nature of agricultural spraying operations contributed to a lapse in attention and memory.
- The primary cause was the failure to disengage the parking brake due to a loss of situational awareness during a high-frequency task sequence.