What happened
On January 7, 2017, an EMB-2ER agricultural aircraft, registration PT-VTN, was performing pesticide application duties at Fazenda Proteção in Rio Brilhante, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight departed from the farm's landing strip at approximately 10:30 local time. After completing the spraying operations, the pilot attempted to land at the same location.
During the landing roll, the aircraft initially drifted to the right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied significant left rudder input, which caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 180 degrees offset from its original landing direction. The aircraft sustained light damage to the right elevator, nose gear, and tail cone, while the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot held valid medical and flight certifications, including the necessary agricultural pilot ratings. The aircraft was also found to be in compliance with airworthiness requirements, with all weight and balance limits respected and maintenance logs up to date.
Investigators noted that the landing strip at Fazenda Proteção measured 1,100 meters in length and 30 meters in width, but lacked a windsock to assist in determining wind direction. The pilot reported that just before landing, there was a strong tailwind with a left crosswind component, which caused the aircraft to tend to yaw into the wind.
Findings
The investigation identified the following contributing factors:
- Improper control inputs: The use of excessive left rudder to correct the initial rightward drift caused the aircraft to exit the runway on the left.
- Perception and judgment: Difficulties in accurately perceiving wind intensity and direction due to the lack of visual aids (windsock) and the challenges of identifying wind components from within the cockpit.
- Environmental conditions: The presence of a strong tailwind and crosswind component during the landing phase.