What happened
On January 11, 2012, a Neiva EMB-201A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-GQT, was performing an aerial application mission over a banana plantation near Eldorado, São Paulo. The flight originated from a temporary landing area at Fazenda Jaguary. After approximately 40 minutes of flight time, the pilot performed a low pass over the runway at an altitude of roughly 300 feet to assess the strip for landing.
While executing a 180-degree turn to align with runway 26, the aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground. The impact occurred in a steep descent with almost no horizontal movement, characterized by a right wing drop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's credentials. The pilot was fully qualified with valid commercial and agricultural licenses, as well as a valid medical certificate. The Neiva EMB-201A was airworthy, with its annual maintenance inspection up to date, and the engine was found to be functional at the time of impact, ruling out engine failure or fuel exhaustion.
Analysis of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was configured with flaps at 30 degrees. The control surfaces were found in specific positions: the rudder was fully deflected to the left, the aileron was applied to lower the left wing, and the elevator was in a back (up) position. These control inputs, specifically the rudder deflection opposite to the direction of the wing drop, are consistent with an attempt to recover from a spin.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
- The aircraft was in a high-drag configuration (flaps 30°) during the maneuver.
- The investigation determined that the accident was caused by an inadvertent entry into a spin following a high-bank turn at low altitude.
- Contributing factors included improper application of flight controls and errors in pilot judgment during the turning maneuver.