What happened
On March 18, 2017, at approximately 14:00 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202A, registration PT-UXJ, was performing an agricultural seeding operation near Capilha, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft took off from an improvised runway in the municipality of Rio Grande under visual flight conditions.
After completing its second application pass, the pilot attempted to fly over an existing electrical power network. During this maneuver, the pilot realized the aircraft lacked sufficient airspeed to clear the first network and attempted a right-hand turn. This maneuver resulted in a collision with a wire from a separate transmission line. Following the impact, the pilot continued the mission, completed the remaining seeding tasks, and landed at the Quatro Irmãos farm runway. The aircraft sustained light damage to the engine, the propeller, and the external linkage of the left aileron. The pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by CENIPA focused on the pilot's decision-making and flight preparation. Investigators examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the pilot's awareness of the local terrain and obstacles. The analysis established that the pilot's attempt to clear the power lines was made without adequate airspeed, and there was a lack of sufficient pre-flight reconnaissance regarding the presence of electrical networks within the operational area.
Findings
- Inadequate assessment of aircraft performance: The pilot attempted to clear an obstacle without sufficient velocity to complete the maneuver.
- Deficient flight planning: The pilot failed to properly identify and account for the electrical networks located within the mission area during pre-flight preparation.
- The pilot held valid medical and single-engine land certifications.
- The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had up-to-date maintenance records.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to work with the operator, TAIM Aeroagrícola Ltda., to ensure pilots perform thorough mission planning and site reconnaissance to prevent collisions with obstacles during agricultural operations.