What happened
On March 8, 2021, at approximately 17:00 UTC, an Air Tractor AT-402B, registration PP-ODB, was conducting a transit flight from Aeródromo Agrifor in Sorriso, Mato Grosso, to a landing area at Fazenda Pressi. The aircraft was operated by Agrifor - Aviação Agrícola Formehl Ltda. for agricultural purposes.
During the final phase of the transit, the aircraft was flying at an estimated altitude of only 30 to 40 meters. While performing a turn, the pilot identified a radio communication antenna in close proximity. The antenna, which stood between 30 and 40 meters tall, lacked any visible markings or signaling. The impact with the structure caused damage to the propeller, specifically the leading edge of one blade. Following the collision, the pilot performed an emergency landing on a road within the Fazenda Pressi estate. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained only limited damage to the propeller.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial licenses and medical certification. The aircraft was also found to be in a fully airworthy condition, with all maintenance logs up to date and the aircraft operating within weight and balance limits. Meteorological reports from the nearby Sorriso Regional Aerodrome indicated that weather conditions were stable and favorable for flight at the time of the occurrence.
The investigation focused on the flight altitude and the pilot's situational awareness. Investigators noted that the aircraft was operating significantly below the minimum safety altitudes established by ICA 100-12, which requires VFR flights to maintain a minimum of 150 feet (approximately 45 meters) above the ground in such areas. The investigation also analyzed the pilot's focus, noting that the concentration on terrain observation during the transit may have hindered the detection of the obstacle.