What happened
On May 1, 2009, at approximately 10:30 UTC, a Piper PA-25-260, registration PT-XLS, was performing an agricultural spraying mission over a farm in Itambé, Paraná. The aircraft took off from a landing area at Fazenda Três Minas to apply products to the crops.
During the operation, the pilot performed a low-altitude pass over the field. While executing a climb at the end of a pass, the aircraft's main landing gear struck a low-voltage steel wire that crossed the flight path at a 90-degree angle. The impact with the wire, which was supported by a concrete pole, was too forceful for the aircraft to overcome despite its speed. This caused the aircraft to be projected into nearby trees and the ground. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and left the pilot with serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot had conducted a ground reconnaissance of the area the previous day. During that reconnaissance, the pilot had identified the presence of a low-voltage wire; however, the obstacle had not been marked with flags or any other visual aid.
Investigators found that the pilot's reconnaissance was incomplete, as a portion of the terrain was obscured by dense vegetation, leading to a failure in identifying the true height and position of the wire. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot entered the spraying pass directly over the uninspected area during the first flight of the day.
Technical examinations of the engine and propeller revealed impact characteristics consistent with high power, ruling out engine failure or other mechanical systems as contributing factors. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within limits, and meteorological conditions were suitable for flight. While maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be outdated, investigators determined that these maintenance discrepancies did not contribute to the accident.
Findings
- Incomplete terrain reconnaissance prevented the pilot from identifying the exact location and height of the obstacle.
- Lack of obstacle marking, such as colored flags, deprived the pilot of a vital visual support system.
- Inadequate organizational oversight within the operator, a small-scale company, left the pilot with excessive decision-making autonomy and insufficient operational supervision.
- Errors in flight planning and judgment led the pilot to operate in a high-risk area without full knowledge of the hazards.
- Substandard organizational processes contributed to a lack of standardized operational procedures and performance monitoring.