What happened
On December 6, 2012, at approximately 20:00 UTC, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GRR, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Sorriso, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from a landing strip at Fazenda Carol to apply pesticides. After completing five successful passes, the aircraft began its sixth pass. During a low-altitude left turn, the aircraft began to lose lift, causing the wingtip to strike a soybean crop. The landing gear subsequently made contact with the ground. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 meters through the plantation before the propeller spinner struck the ground, causing the aircraft to capsize and catch fire. The pilot managed to evacuate the cabin before the fire spread, but sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed fuel samples collected from the wing tanks. Laboratory analysis revealed significant discrepancies in fuel composition; while ethanol was present in all samples, the concentrations varied widely between the left and right wings (ranging from 38% to 88% ethanol). The investigation also identified that the engine's fuel injection pump was designed for ethanol use, yet maintenance records showed no evidence of a formal conversion from gasoline to ethanol. Furthermore, the aircraft's logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not updated to reflect any such conversion. Investigators also noted that the pilot had recently completed agricultural pilot training and was performing his first operational season.
Findings
- Improper maintenance management: The operator failed to document or properly certify the conversion of the aircraft to use ethanol, compromising airworthiness.
- Engine power loss: The lack of documented conversion and the presence of varying ethanol concentrations suggest that the loss of lift was likely caused by a loss of engine power.
- Pilot experience: The pilot's limited experience in this specific type of flight may have contributed to the accident, as a more experienced crew might have recognized the power loss earlier and executed an emergency landing.
- Organizational failures: Inadequate oversight regarding maintenance and modification compliance.