What happened
On February 6, 2012, at approximately 19:3 and UTC, a Neiva EMB 202, registration PT-UHZ, departed from an agricultural landing strip in the rural area of Palestina, São Paulo, to perform crop dusting over a sugarcane plantation. While the pilot was executing a turn to align the aircraft with the application area, the aircraft lost control and collided with a eucalyptus grove. The impact with the ground triggered a fire that consumed the aircraft.
The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and agricultural ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for flight.
However, the investigation revealed that the aircraft was not in an airworthy condition. The Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) and the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) had both expired on November 26, 2010. Furthermore, maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller could not be reviewed because the aircraft's documentation folder was lost in the post-crash fire.
Analysis of the crash site showed very little horizontal displacement before impact, suggesting the possibility of a low-altitude stall. Investigators also noted that the sun's position during the turn may have caused glare, potentially impairing the pilot's vision.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness, meaning it did not meet the minimum safety requirements for airworthiness.
- The sun's position coincided with the aircraft's heading during the turn, which may have caused visual impairment due to glare.
- There was evidence of a potential low-altitude stall during the maneuver.
- The lack of valid maintenance documentation created latent unsafe conditions.