What happened
On November 13, 2018, an Neiva EMB-202 aircraft, registered as PT-UMV, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Fazenda São Francisco in Miranda, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was engaged in its fifth application of the day when the engine experienced a significant loss of power, followed by a complete shutdown.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot activated the electric fuel pump and switched the fuel selector valve. However, these actions failed to restore engine power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in a flooded area. The impact caused the aircraft to capsize, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe, though the pilot emerged uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the engine failure was caused by a fuel exhaustion event (dry tank). The investigation revealed that the pilot had consumed all the fuel in one of the wing tanks. While the pilot attempted to rectify the situation by switching tanks and engaging the electric pump, the intervention was not timely enough to prevent the shutdown.
Investigators also noted that while the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight limits, the maintenance logs for the cell, engine, and propeller were not up to date. Furthermore, the operator, Rambo Aviação Agrícola Ltda, did not provide specific operational procedure manuals to the investigation team, indicating a lack of formal oversight regarding fuel management protocols.
Findings
- The engine failure resulted from fuel exhaustion in one tank due to a failure to switch fuel sources in a timely manner.
- The pilot's memory and judgment regarding fuel management contributed to the event.
- The operator's reliance on informal fuel management practices and the absence of documented procedures created a safety vulnerability.
- The failure to keep the electric fuel pump in the 'ON' or 'AUTO' position during takeoff and climb may have prevented the engine from recovering once the tank switch was attempted.
- Inadequate managerial supervision regarding the implementation of standardized operational procedures.