What happened
On May 10, 2012, an EMB-201A aircraft, registration PT-GVI, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a cornfield at Sítio São João, located in Santa Mariana, Paraná. During the final pass of the application process, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines belonging to the local utility provider (COPEL) that were crossing the plantation. Following the collision with the wires, the aircraft struck the ground.
The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and resulted in the destruction of the power lines and damage to the corn crop. The pilot sustained serious injuries during the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight parameters and the pilot's credentials. The pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, with 1,002 total flight hours, including 869 hours specifically in the EMB-201A model. The aircraft was also found to be in compliance with airworthiness requirements, with all maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe up to date. The aircraft was operating within its weight and balance limits at the time of the event.
During the analysis of the wreckage, investigators noted that the power lever was in the advanced position, the fuel lever was open, and the propeller lever was at maximum pitch. These settings suggest that the pilot likely identified the obstacle at a very close range and was attempting an emergency maneuver to clear the wires.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning was identified as a contributing factor, specifically regarding the lack of a prior reconnaissance of the area to identify existing obstacles such as power lines.