What happened
On October 19, 2009, at approximately 21:00 UTC, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GUD, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Estância Santa Marta, in São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was engaged in its fourth takeoff of the day, applying herbicides to a cultivated area.
During a repositioning maneuver, the aircraft struck tree branches in a dense wooded area. The initial impact caused the aircraft to dive into the vegetation approximately 200 meters ahead. The aircraft eventually came to a stop suspended by tree branches, which prevented it from striking the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft's engine was producing power at the time of the impact, as evidenced by the deformation of the propeller blades, and no mechanical or system failures were identified. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the pilot's decision-making.
The pilot was flying with a valid commercial pilot license and single-engine land rating; however, his agricultural pilot qualification had expired prior to the flight. While the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
The investigation found that the sun, positioned near the horizon, caused significant glare during the maneuver. This sunlight, combined with shadows cast by nearby terrain elevations, impaired the pilot's ability to accurately judge the aircraft's altitude and perceive the approaching obstacles. Furthermore, the operator's safety management systems were found to be deficient, as the company's Aircraft Accident Prevention Program (PPAA) was outdated.
Findings
- Sun glare significantly reduced the pilot's ability to evaluate flight altitude and obstacle position.
- The pilot's agricultural pilot qualification was expired at the time of the accident.
- The operator's Aircraft Accident Prevention Program (PPAA) was outdated, reflecting weaknesses in organizational safety management.
- The pilot's decision to continue the maneuver at low altitude under high-risk lighting conditions contributed to the collision.