What happened
On March 28, 1996, an EMB-201 aircraft, registered as PT-GNN, was performing agricultural spraying operations over a bean plantation in Itaberai, Goiás. The mission involved applying fungicide at a very low altitude, approximately 6 meters above the crops. During a low-level pass, the pilot failed to maneuver around a tree located in the flight path, causing the right wing to strike the top of the tree.
Following the impact, the aircraft lost engine power and entered a steep descending turn. The aircraft continued to fly for several seconds after the engine began to fail before ultimately colliding with the ground. The pilot was rescued by a local resident and transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness status, the pilot's medical certification, and the operational conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators found that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness was expired, and maintenance records for the engine and propeller were outdated, with no documentation available for recent services. Additionally, the pilot's medical certificate was expired.
Environmental factors were also analyzed. The accident occurred during twilight, which may have affected the visibility of obstacles. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was equipped with an automotive-style seatbelt, which likely broke upon impact. While the pilot was found to be taking certain medications, none were determined to cause disorientation or loss of consciousness.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to avoid an obstacle in the flight path.
- The low altitude of the operation (6 meters) left no margin for error following the wing strike.
- Twilight lighting conditions contributed to the difficulty in identifying the tree.
- Inadequate flight planning resulted in an improper assessment of the risks posed by the obstacle.
- The aircraft was operating with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness and undocumented maintenance.