What happened
On January 28, 2012, at approximately 18:35 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-EZU, was engaged in a private transport flight from Paraíso do Tocantins (SWTO) to Balsas (SNBS). The flight, carrying one pilot and two passengers, initially included low-level maneuvers over various farms at the request of a passenger.
As the aircraft progressed toward its destination, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. Approximately 23 nautical miles from Balsas, the flight path was obstructed by a line of cumulonimbus clouds. After attempting several deviations to avoid rain and convective activity, the pilot determined that continuing to the destination or returning to the origin was no longer viable due to the worsening weather. Consequently, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a dirt road in the municipality of Campos Lindos, Tocantines. During the final approach, the aircraft struck electrical power lines, causing substantial damage to the engine, nose, spinners, and left wing, and damaging three utility cables.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot had valid medical and technical certifications and that the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and flight planning.
Investigators found that the pilot did not consult meteorological information for the route prior to departure. While METAR reports from nearby airports like Petrolina and Imperatriz indicated visual conditions, SIGWX charts and satellite imagery at the time showed low ceilings, reduced visibility, and isolated cumulonimbus clouds covering the region. The investigation noted that the pilot's situational awareness was reduced due to the low-level flight patterns over farms, and that a more thorough review of available weather data could have prompted the selection of better alternative aerodromes.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions involving low ceilings and cumulonimbus clouds.
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the decision to proceed toward the destination after encountering weather degradation.
- Deficient flight planning, specifically the failure to consult SIGWX charts and satellite imagery prior to takeoff.
- Flawed decision-making process regarding the selection of alternatives and the timing of the decision to land off-airport.