What happened
On December 28, 1999, at approximately 20:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-201A, registration PT-GXM, was performing an agricultural spraying operation near Mato Verde, Minas Gerais. The aircraft had departed from the Janaúba aerodrome with the intention of applying pesticides at Fazenda Pau Ferro. During the flight, the aircraft struck a tree and subsequently collided with the ground. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot died at the scene, and the passenger passed away seven days after the accident.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA III, examined the regulatory compliance of the flight and the crew. Investigators reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's certification status. The investigation noted significant regulatory discrepancies regarding the pilot's medical and licensing status, as well as the aircraft's operational configuration. Due to the finding that the operation was being conducted in violation of established aeronautical legislation, the investigation was interrupted, as the primary corrective actions required were the strict observance of existing regulations.
Findings
- The pilot's medical certificate (CCF) had been expired since August 6, 1999.
- The pilot's Agricultural Aircraft Pilot license (PAGA) had been expired since July 1994.
- The Embraer EMB-201A was not certified to carry passengers.
- The collision with an obstacle was the primary event leading to the destruction of the aircraft and the fatalities.