Helicopter crash in Brazil kills two pilots on Monday
- A helicopter crashed in Brazil during a flight test, killing two pilots and injuring the aircraft owner.
- Henrique Santos suffered severe burns and was placed in an induced coma, while witnesses reported chaotic scenes as residents attempted to help.
- Investigators are looking into the crash to determine its causes and improve aviation safety.
On Monday, a helicopter crash in Brazil resulted in the tragic deaths of two pilots, André Ferreira and Raildo Rodrigues, while the aircraft owner, Henrique Santos, sustained severe injuries. The helicopter was conducting a flight test after maintenance, departing from Oscar Laranjeiras Airport in Caruaru, Pernambuco, and was en route to Guabiraba when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into a forest, igniting a fire upon impact. The pilots' bodies were discovered charred, highlighting the severity of the incident. Henrique Santos, aged 41, was hospitalized with burns covering 90% of his body and was placed in an induced coma for treatment. His condition was further complicated by pneumonia due to smoke inhalation. Reports indicate that Santos may have jumped from the helicopter moments before the crash, although this remains unconfirmed. Witnesses described the chaotic scene as residents rushed to assist Santos before emergency services arrived. The local fire department managed to control the flames within 20 minutes. Investigators from the National Civil Aviation Agency were dispatched to the crash site to gather data and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident. The investigation aims to uncover the causes of the crash and ensure safety measures are reinforced in the future. Santos, who owns a livestock farm and an online exotic pet store, faces multiple surgeries to treat his injuries, with doctors evaluating the possibility of transferring him to a facility in Recife for further care.