What happened
On December 28, 2015, at approximately 19:00 UTC, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-VYF, was performing an agricultural operation in Maçambará, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft, operated by Aeroarroz Aviação Agrícola Ltda., had departed from an improvised runway at Fazenda Três Figueiras to apply fertilizer to a rice crop.
Immediately following rotation, the aircraft lost lift and collided with the embankment of an irrigation canal, subsequently capsizing. Although the pilot attempted to jettison the load during the emergency, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the aircraft was operating significantly beyond its structural limits. The pilot estimated the weight of the chemical load at approximately 1,0-ton, leading to a total estimated takeoff weight of roughly 2,274 kg, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 1,800 kg by approximately 474 kg.
Investigators found that the operator lacked the necessary equipment, specifically a scale, to accurately weigh the agricultural products before loading. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated, with the last entries dating back to March 2015. Additionally, the aircraft's logbook entry for a 50-hour inspection failed to identify the mechanic responsible for the release to service.
Environmental factors also played a role. Meteorological data from Uruguaiana indicated a temperature of 32°C and low atmospheric pressure (QNH 1007), conditions known to degrade the performance of conventional piston engines.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in an overweight condition.
- The pilot's decision-making was compromised by the inability to verify the actual weight of the cargo.
- Organizational deficiencies existed, as the operator provided no formal resources or procedures to ensure accurate weight and balance.
- High temperatures and low atmospheric pressure contributed to degraded engine performance.
- Maintenance documentation was not up to date.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to ensure the operator improves its Safety Management System (SMS), specifically regarding flight planning and managerial supervision of agricultural operations. It was also recommended that the operator improve administrative procedures for recording maintenance services.