What happened
On December 23, 2020, at approximately 13:30 UTC, a Cessna A188B, registration PR-DBO, was performing an agricultural operation at Fazenda Bundut in Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Mercaer Aviação Agrícola Ltda., was preparing to transfer from the agricultural landing site to the company's headquarters at Aeródromo Safra after completing pesticide spraying tasks.
Following a refueling stop on the right side of the runway, the pilot initiated takeoff. However, the aircraft was not properly aligned with the center of the runway. During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft gained speed and the tail lifted, it experienced a yaw to the right. The aircraft veered off the grass strip, entered an irrigation ditch used for rice cultivation, and nose-over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the pilot's qualifications, the aircraft's maintenance status, and the operational procedures in place. The pilot was fully qualified with a valid commercial license and agricultural ratings, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance logs were up to date. Weather conditions were favorable for VFR flight, with calm winds and clear visibility.
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the takeoff roll and the lack of alignment with the runway centerline. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's technical knowledge, noting an inability to provide specific airspeed or flap settings during the event. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the operator's management oversight regarding the pilot's integration into the company.