What happened
On December 15, 2015, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UIJ, was performing agricultural fungicide application near Vila Paraíso, in the municipality of Palot-ina, Paraná. The aircraft, operated by C. Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial, was executing its fifth application pass when the pilot reported a loss of engine power during the start of a reversal turn. Despite advancing the throttle, the engine failed to respond, leading the pilot to perform an emergency landing in an uninhabited area. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's controls, which were found to be functioning normally and moving freely. An engine teardown was conducted at an authorized workshop in Londrina, Paraná. The inspection revealed that the spark plugs were clean, the camshaft, rockers, and pistons showed normal wear and proper lubrication, and the fuel injectors and mechanical fuel pump were in good working order. Bench tests of the Bendix magneto and the Bendix fuel injector confirmed they were airworthy and operating within specifications.
Investigators also noted that the aircraft's maintenance logs, including the cell and engine logbooks, were outdated and contained discrepancies regarding recorded flight hours. Furthermore, the aircraft's logbook was also not up to date. While the operator maintained proper fuel storage and filtration procedures, the investigation could not find any evidence of fuel contamination or mechanical failure that would explain the reported power loss.
Findings
- The pilot was qualified with a valid medical certificate and 4,322 total flight hours, including 3,175 hours in the Neiva EMB-202.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and held a valid airworthiness certificate.
- Maintenance records for the engine and airframe were inaccurate and lacked proper updates.
- Inadequate use of flight controls during the reversal turn was considered a possible factor, as no mechanical cause for the reported engine failure could be identified.