What happened
On July 12, 2014, a Neiva EMB-201 aircraft, registration PT-GOB, was performing agricultural spraying operations at an improvised airstrip located at Fazenda Santa Maria in Santa Mônica, Paraná. The aircraft was conducting its fourth landing of the mission when the pilot lost directional control.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway, exiting the paved surface by approximately two meters. As the aircraft veered, the right wingtip struck the ground, causing light damage to the fiberglass cowling. Following the impact, the aircraft regained its path and returned to the runway.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA V, established that the pilot was fully qualified with a valid medical certificate and 1,200 total flight hours, including 60 hours on this specific model. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with all maintenance records up to date and within weight and balance limits.
The pilot reported that the excursion was caused by a sudden lateral gust of wind during the landing phase. This wind gust caused the aircraft to lose its heading to the right, and the pilot's control inputs were insufficient to correct the course before the aircraft left the runway.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions, specifically a crosswind gust during the landing.
- Ineffective application of flight controls to counteract the wind.
- Pilot judgment during the landing phase.