What happened
On October 30, 2018, at approximately 21:15 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-WVX, was performing pesticide application maneuvers near Usina Téreos in Guapiaçu, São Paulo. The aircraft had departed from a local landing area roughly twenty minutes prior to the accident.
While executing a left-hand reversal turn, the aircraft collided with a tree and subsequently struck the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and rated for agricultural operations, possessing approximately 570 hours of experience in this specific aircraft model. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with light winds and clear visibility.
Analysis of the wreckage indicated a low-speed frontal impact. The propeller blades were bent in a manner consistent with the engine producing power at the moment of impact, ruling out engine failure. Furthermore, the presence of fuel leaking from the wings at the scene ruled out fuel exhaustion.
Investigators noted that the accident occurred shortly before sunset. Because the aircraft was flying on a northwest heading during the turn, it is probable that the setting sun caused glare, potentially obscuring the pilot's view of obstacles. Additionally, the operator failed to produce a Safety Management System (SMS) manual for review, making it impossible to determine if the specific risks of this flight profile had been properly analyzed.