What happened
On January 8, 2004, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UPT, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Stella in Canarana, Mato Grosso. During the mission, the pilot attempted a left-hand recovery turn to continue spraying a soybean crop. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered severe damage to the engine, fuselage, left wing, and fuel and lubrication systems.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight. While the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight for the Ipanema model is 1,800 kg, the aircraft departed with an estimated weight of approximately 2,014 kg. This excess weight was due to the hopper being loaded with 760 liters of pesticide, which deviated from the established pattern of 650 liters used in previous flights. By the third takeoff of the day, despite some fuel consumption, the aircraft was still estimated to be roughly 174 kg over the maximum allowable limit.
Additionally, the investigation found that the pilot had not pre-scouted the spraying area, which contained tall trees that restricted the available space for the turning maneuver. The investigation also noted that the pilot was not using the electric fuel boost pump during agricultural operations, contrary to the aircraft's operating manual.
Findings
- Improper weight management: The aircraft was loaded with pesticides and fuel in excess of the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight.
- Inadequate flight planning: The pilot failed to survey the area in advance, failing to account for obstacles like tall trees that limited the maneuvering space.
- Poor judgment: The pilot failed to correctly assess the risks associated with the combination of high weight and restricted airspace.
- Operational non-compliance: The pilot did not follow standard operating procedures, specifically regarding the use of the fuel boost pump and maintaining weight limits.
- Lack of supervision: There was a lack of adequate oversight to ensure the operator stayed within the manufacturer's established weight parameters.