What happened
On November 8, 2012, an EMB-201A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UAD, departed from the Itagro Aerodrome (SJWG) in Alegrete, Rio Grande do Sul, to perform pesticide application operations. Approximately three minutes after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of power followed by a complete engine shutdown.
The pilot performed an emergency landing in a rice plantation. While the pilot escaped the incident uninjured, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, right wing, and landing gear.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators conducted a teardown of the Textron Lycoming IO-50-K1J5D engine. The inspection revealed no evidence of component failure, and all parts were found to be in airworthy condition.
During the investigation, it was noted that the aircraft's cockpit contained a warning placard instructing the crew to keep the electric booster pump running during agricultural operations. However, the pilot stated that the booster pump had only been used for the takeoff and was not active during the flight. The investigation confirmed that the pump was turned off at the time of the engine failure, which contradicted the aircraft's Operating Manual limitations regarding agricultural flight operations.
Findings
- Pilot judgment regarding the operation of the electric booster pump during agricultural flight.