What happened
On February 5, 2012, at approximately 20:27 UTC, an Embraer 202 performing agricultural spraying operations crashed at Fazenda Sagarana, near Correntina, Bahia. The aircraft, registered as PT-UME, was operating from a temporary landing strip measuring 1,200 meters in length and 20 meters in width.
During the final landing of the day, the pilot touched down on the right side of the runway. As the aircraft moved along the strip, the right wingtip made contact with a nearby cornfield, which was approximately 2.5 meters high. This contact caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading it to veer off the right edge of the runway and capsize. The aircraft ended up resting on its back. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was qualified and experienced, with valid medical and technical certifications. The aircraft was also in a condition for flight, with a valid airworthiness certificate and up-to-date maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe. The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe limits, and the meteorological conditions were favorable, with calm winds reported at the time of the accident.
The investigation focused on the layout of the temporary landing area. While the area complied with RBHA 137 regulations, the investigation noted that these regulations did not specify physical characteristics for such temporary strips. The site lacked a paved runway surface or a designated safety overrun area. Notably, a ditch existed on the left side of the strip, while a cornfield bordered the right side.
Findings
- The pilot failed to adequately assess the operational risks present at the landing site.
- The landing was executed on the right half of the runway, placing the aircraft in close proximity to the cornfield.
- The friction between the right wingtip and the corn crop caused the loss of control and subsequent capsize.
- Contributing factors included errors in pilot judgment, flight planning, and management supervision.