What happened
On December 29, 2010, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UHQ, was performing agricultural spraying operations at an improvised landing strip located within the Ester Usina in Cosmópolis, São Paulo. The aircraft was positioned at the head of the unpaved, irregular dirt runway to undergo refueling.
To facilitate easier access for the refueling truck, the aircraft was not centered on the runway's longitudinal axis, but instead remained offset to the right. During the takeoff roll, the pilot initiated the departure before the refueling truck had cleared the area. As the aircraft accelerated, the right wingtip made contact with the adjacent sugarcane crops. This contact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right, exiting the runway and resulting in a ground loop.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot was experienced in this type of flight and held valid medical and technical certifications. The aircraft was also in a condition for flight, with a valid airworthiness certificate and all maintenance logs up to date. The aircraft was within its weight and balance limits at the time of the accident.
Investigators focused on the positioning of the aircraft and the timing of the takeoff roll. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was intentionally offset from the runway centerline to accommodate the refueling process and that the takeoff maneuver began while the refueling vehicle was still present on the runway surface.