What happened
On April 21, 2008, at approximately 19:45 UTC, a Neiva EMB-200A, registration PT-GEE, was performing a repositioning flight between two agricultural airstrips at Fazenda Alvorada and Fazenda Santa Vitória in Sinop, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was operated by Garrido Aviação Agrícola Ltda. for agricultural purposes.
Shortly after takeoff, while the pilot was reducing power, the aircraft began a progressive leftward bank. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the attitude using right rudder and right aileron, the aircraft failed to respond and continued the descent until it impacted the ground approximately 100 meters from the end of the runway. The impact occurred 30 meters to the right of the takeoff centerline. The aircraft was destroyed during the crash. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while a ground assistant who attempted to assist the pilot in exiting the wreckage sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, maintenance records, and the pilot's qualifications. Investigators found that while the pilot was properly licensed and experienced for the flight, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had been suspended since March 2001. Furthermore, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date, and the last annual maintenance inspection had been performed in October 2000.
Technical analysis of the engine and propeller indicated that the engine was not producing power at the moment of impact. Investigators also noted that the electric auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the off position, a practice noted among some agricultural pilots to prevent component wear, despite it being contrary to standard operating procedures for takeoff and agricultural operations.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control characterized by a left wing drop, which was consistent with a loss of propeller traction due to engine power loss and a subsequent stall of the left wing during a right-hand turn.
- The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was suspended, and maintenance records were not current.
- The electric auxiliary fuel pump was not in use during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident.