What happened
On December 23, 2014, an Embraer EMB-201A Neiva, registration PT-UCN, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations near Rosário do Sul, Brazil. After completing the application of agricultural inputs, the pilot decided to land at an unplanned, improvised landing site in the Jacaquá district, Alegrete.
The landing area was an unpaved strip consisting of earth with varying levels of soil compaction. As the aircraft touched down, the left wheel encountered a section of loose sand that created significant rolling resistance. The pilot attempted to apply rudder corrections to maintain directional control, but the effort was unsuccessful. As the aircraft lost airspeed and lift, the leftward yaw increased, eventually resulting in a nose-over (pilonamento). The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the landing site and the aircraft's operational history. The investigation established that the landing strip was only 7.6 meters wide, with a usable firm surface of only 5.4 meters. The aircraft's wheel track was 2.2 meters, leaving very little margin for error on the uneven terrain. The investigation also noted that while the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
Findings
- The landing at the improvised site was not part of the original flight plan.
- The pilot had not performed a prior visual inspection of the landing area and was unaware of the varying soil compaction levels.
- Inadequate flight planning regarding the use of an unverified landing site.
- Errors in pilot judgment during the landing phase.
- Improper application of flight controls during the encounter with the sandy surface.