What happened
On January 9, 1999, at approximately 17:30 local time, an EMB-201A, registration PT-GZY, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Jatobá in Sorriso, Mato Grosso. During a low-altitude pass over the plantation, the aircraft suddenly lost lift and altitude. The aircraft made contact with the ground, lost directional control, and collided with trees on the side of the field. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, resulting in its total destruction. The pilot managed to egress the aircraft before the fire spread and escaped uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's statements. While the pilot initially suggested that heavy turbulence from nearby cumulonimbus clouds or a loss of engine power caused the crash, physical evidence contradicted the latter claim; a visual inspection of the propeller revealed it was producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation also looked into the pilot's physiological state, noting that the pilot had only consumed a single sandwich between flights and was operating in high temperatures. Furthermore, the investigation noted that while the pilot was properly licensed, they had only been performing agricultural flight operations for two months.
Findings
- The pilot had inadequate judgment regarding the flight conditions.
- The pilot's recent experience in agricultural aviation was limited to two months.
- Physiological factors, including poor nutrition and high heat, may have compromised the pilot's reaction time.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, including turbulence and strong wind gusts, were present in the area.
- There was a possibility of deficient operational supervision regarding the workload and meal breaks provided to the pilot.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations for the operator, J. P.O. Aero Agrícola LTDA, to distribute the report to its pilots and implement training sessions focusing on the impact of nutrition and adverse weather on agricultural flight. The operator was also advised to adopt better supervision procedures to ensure adequate work routines for its pilots.