What happened
On January 4, 2010, at approximately 17:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-URT, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a soybean plantation at Fazenda Irmãos Munaretto in Lucas do Rio Verde, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from the farm's runway to apply a desiccant.
During the first spray pass, the pilot executed a 90-degree right turn to clear a patch of native forest containing trees up to 30 meters tall. Following this maneuver, the pilot initiated a steep descent to apply the product. During this descent, the left tire of the aircraft made contact with the ground. This contact led to a loss of control, causing the right wing and the nose of the aircraft to impact the terrain. The aircraft subsequently cartwheeled, traveling approximately 35 meters before coming to a complete stop. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA VI established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and agricultural ratings, and possessed the necessary experience for the mission. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with valid documentation and operating within proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
Investigators analyzed the propeller deformation, which indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation focused on the flight planning and the operational decisions made regarding the spray axis and the flight altitude. It was noted that while the chosen axis (010º) was intended to maximize efficiency by reducing the number of turns and fuel consumption, it presented significant obstacles. Furthermore, the investigation examined the decision to fly at a lower altitude to prevent chemical drift into adjacent properties.
Findings
- The choice of a spray axis that was not parallel to continuous obstacles increased the risk of an accident.
- The decision to execute a lower-altitude pass to mitigate drift risks reduced the margin of error for maintaining altitude and obstacle clearance.
- Inadequate evaluation of the operational context regarding the flight path and altitude.
- Ineffective application of flight controls during the maneuver.