What happened
On April 9, 2008, at approximately 20:15 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-USM, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Fazenda Guimarães II in Lucas do Rio Verde, Mato Grosso. After departing from the local aerodrome, the pilot attempted to execute the first pass for insecticide application. During the maneuver, the aircraft struck a high-voltage power pole, which subsequently caused the aircraft to impact the ground. The pilot sustained light injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight sequence and the pilot's actions leading up to the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in compliance with all regulatory requirements, including valid airworthiness certificates and up-to-date maintenance logs. The aircraft was also within its approved weight and balance limits. No mechanical failures or technical malfunctions were identified in the aircraft's systems prior to the collision.
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision to alter the flight path. To avoid flying over a stable—which had previously caused livestock to panic—the pilot decided to change the approach angle for the spraying pass. This sudden change in the flight profile meant the aircraft approached high-voltage lines located approximately 100 meters from the cornfield. The pilot reported a significant and abrupt loss of altitude immediately following the turn. Investigators considered that this loss of lift could have been caused by reduced airspeed during the turn or by the presence of downdrafts, which are common in high-temperature environments when transitioning between different types of terrain.
Findings
- The pilot's decision-making process regarding the change in flight path did not adequately account for the minimum safety altitude required to clear nearby obstacles.
- The loss of altitude occurred during the execution of a new approach angle, potentially due to decreased lift or environmental downdrafts.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's attitude, attention, decision-making, and flight planning.