What happened
On January 21, 2004, an EMB-201 aircraft, registration PT-GPW, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Fazenda Lagoa do Segredo in Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was carrying 500 liters of herbicide for a mission involving a field area confined between two sections of native vegetation.
During the third spray pass, the pilot attempted to descend to an altitude of approximately two meters to ensure complete coverage of the crop. During this maneuver, the right landing gear collided with the terrain. The pilot attempted to apply power to execute a go-around, but the impact prevented a successful recovery. The aircraft slid approximately 150 meters before coming to a stop. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine and fuselage, while the propeller and landing gear were destroyed. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's maneuvers and the operational environment. Although the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and CG limits, the investigation noted that the pilot had limited experience, with only 81 flight hours in this specific model.
Investigators examined the environmental conditions, noting that while visibility was good, the presence of native vegetation created turbulence. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's fuel boost pump was turned off, contrary to the operating manual, though this did not directly cause the impact. The analysis highlighted the inherent risks of agricultural aviation, where pilots often attempt to maximize coverage near obstacles, potentially leading to unsafe flight profiles.
Findings
- Deficient judgment: The pilot commanded an excessive rate of descent, leaving the aircraft vulnerable to prevailing wind conditions.
- Deficient planning: The flight plan involved an abrupt descent immediately after clearing native vegetation, despite the limited altitude available.
- Environmental influence: The presence of native vegetation prompted the pilot to attempt a low-altitude maneuver to ensure coverage, while also contributing to localized turbulence.
- Lack of experience: The pilot's limited experience in the EMB-201 contributed to the decision to execute a descent rate that was unsafe for the existing conditions.