What happened
On November 20, 2011, at approximately 18:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UOS, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Nova Fronteira in Tabaporã, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was engaged in applying fungicide to a soybean plantation.
During a repositioning maneuver following a spray run, the aircraft experienced a loss of control. The left wingtip struck the ground, causing a loss of lift. Although the pilot attempted to regain altitude, the left wing struck the ground a second time with greater force, resulting in the wing detaching from the airframe. The aircraft slid approximately 60 meters before coming to a complete stop. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and medically certified, and that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance logs up to date. The aircraft was also within its specified weight and balance limits.
Investigators noted the presence of cumulonimbus (CB) clouds in the vicinity of the accident site. Approximately 20 minutes after the occurrence, precipitation began at the location. The pilot reported being struck by two wind gusts within a three-second interval immediately preceding the loss of control. Based on the distribution of wreckage and the presence of convective clouds, investigators analyzed the possibility of windshear as a primary factor.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a low-altitude maneuver at approximately 2.5 meters above the ground.
- The pilot encountered sudden wind gusts during a repositioning turn.
- Convective activity (CB clouds) and subsequent rainfall were present in the area.
- Adverse meteorological conditions (suspected windshear) contributed to the loss of control.