What happened
On December 30, 2014, an EMB-202A aircraft, registration PT-UTX, was performing agricultural spraying operations in a rural area of Arro/io Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. After completing a spraying mission, the pilot proceeded to conduct a reconnaissance flight over a new area of farmland to assess the terrain and obstacles.
During this low-altitude reconnaissance, the aircraft's left landing gear struck a shield wire of an electrical transmission line. The impact caused the propeller to strike the same cable, resulting in the wire's rupture. Following the collision, the aircraft entered a left wingover and impacted the ground in an inverted position approximately 150 meters from the initial strike. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's operational history. Technical inspections of the engine and propeller assembly by specialized laboratories found no evidence of mechanical failure; the engine was producing normal power at the time of impact.
The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight patterns and the operational environment. It was noted that the pilot had a history of flying at very low altitudes, even when not actively spraying. Furthermore, the investigation explored the influence of the aircraft owner, who was also the landowner and the pilot's employer, noting that the owner's permissive attitude toward flying beneath power lines may have influenced the pilot's decision-making.
Findings
- The pilot's vision may have been obscured by the sun's position relative to the aircraft, preventing the detection of the shield wire.
- The pilot's high level of experience and previous successful low-altitude maneuvers may have led to an overconfidence that diminished critical risk assessment.
- There was a lack of evidence regarding specific flight planning for the reconnaissance phase, which should have included identifying obstacles and sun position.
- The operational environment lacked professional oversight, as the pilot managed his own activities for a private owner who encouraged flying under wires to ensure better crop coverage.