What happened
On February 19, 2016, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GYD, was performing an agricultural fertilizer application flight near Lagoa da Confusão, Tocantins. The aircraft had departed from a private airstrip operated by Precisa Aviação Agrícola LTDA under VFR conditions. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced abnormal vibrations and a loss of engine power.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot partially jettisoned the aircraft's cargo. The pilot proceeded to land on the opposite end of the same runway, approaching with the sun directly in the field of vision. Upon touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right, exiting the runway and coming to a stop in a nearby rice plantation. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained damage, though the full extent could not be assessed.
The investigation
Investigators from SERIPA VI found that the aircraft was within weight and center of gravity limits and was fueled with ethanol. While the pilot's medical and flight qualifications were valid, the investigation faced significant obstacles. The operator, Foliar Aviação Agrícola LTDA, repaired the aircraft at the scene and flew it back to their hangar without authorization from the investigating authority, violating Brazilian Aeronautical Code regulations.
During this unauthorized process, several components were replaced, including a propeller blade, fuel injection nozzles, and the right landing gear shock absorber. Furthermore, the cleaning of the fuel injection system during the repair process prevented investigators from performing a conclusive analysis of the engine failure.