What happened
On January 15, 2011, at approximately 19:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202 (registration PT-URK) was performing an agricultural spraying mission over a soybean plantation near Campo Verde, Mato Grosso. The flight originated from the Campo Verde Aerodrome (SIWJ) with the intention of reaching Fazenda Libreloto.
During the operation, weather conditions significantly deteriorated, making continued visual flight impossible. As the pilot attempted to return to the origin, the aircraft encountered heavy cloud formations and reduced visibility. Facing imminent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the required instrument rating, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing on an unpaved, non-certified dirt strip located at Fazenda Limeira-Panice.
Upon landing, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway, causing the landing gear to strike a ditch. The impact forced the nose of the aircraft into the ground, resulting in the breakage of the rear fuselage and damage to the rudder. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, and rudder, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that while the pilot was experienced and qualified for agricultural operations, they were not rated for instrument flight (IFR). The investigation reviewed meteorological data from nearby Cuiabá (SBCY), which confirmed significant weather changes, including heavy rain and reduced visibility, around the time of the occurrence. Although the pilot reported that conditions were marginal but acceptable for VFR at takeoff, the investigation found that forecast charts (PROG) already indicated unfavorable conditions for the day. Additionally, no specific meteorological information was available at the departure aerodrome (SIWT) at the time of takeoff.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions that restricted visual flight.
- Errors in pilot judgment regarding the decision to proceed with the mission.
- Deficiencies in flight planning concerning the weather forecast and available meteorological information.