What happened
On December 20, 2011, a Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UNC, was performing an agricultural operation in the Rincão da Estiva region of São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from an improvised runway to apply urea to a crop.
Following takeoff, the pilot executed a right turn to align the aircraft for the start of the spraying mission. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied maximum engine power, extended the flaps to the full position, and activated the auxiliary fuel pump. Despite these actions, the aircraft continued to lose altitude. The nose gear struck the edge of a ditch approximately 1.5 meters high, causing the tail to lift and the engine to strike the ground, which ultimately resulted in the aircraft flipping over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's recovery actions during the low-speed stall. CENIPA examined the flight sequence and the configuration of the aircraft at the moment of the loss of lift. The investigation reviewed the pilot's technical qualifications, medical certification, and the airworthiness status of the aircraft, finding all documentation and maintenance records to be up to date. The aircraft was also confirmed to be within weight and balance limits.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to apply full flaps during a loss of lift increased aerodynamic drag, which likely hindered the aircraft's ability to regain airspeed.
- The pilot's flight commands and judgment contributed to the inability to recover from the stall.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.