From omen to separation: plane crash changed the history of Trio Parada Dura in the 1980s
Quarenta and four years later, Creone still remembers every detail of that flight. Radio presenter Zé Béttio joked with the pilot before takeoff. The phrase sounded like a warning.
The plane carrying the classic formation of Trio Parada Dura crashed on September 6, 1982 in Espírito Santo of Pinhal, inside São Paulo. Creone, Barrerito and Mangabinha made it out alive. Barrerito, however, became a paraplegic. The episode interrupted the peak of the group’s success and paved the way for definitive changes in the members’ careers.
Presságio before takeoff
The trio traveled from São Paulo to Cruzília, in Minas Gerais. The tight schedule required quick travel. Eles took off from Campo from Marte in heavy rain. A stop at Campinas was used for fuel. The bad weather continued.
Creone says that the pilot got lost on the way. When he saw a small runway in Espírito Santo from Pinhal, he decided to try landing to get his bearings. The wind hindered the maneuver. The commander tried to attack, but couldn’t. The aircraft descended forcefully into an irregular area.
- The pilot warned that they would have to get off somewhere
- Creone took off his belt and hugged the pilot’s seat
- Barrerito suffered serious spinal injury during the impact
Detalhes from crash landing
The impact caused injuries to everyone. Creone broke three ribs. Barrerito felt the worst. Quando managed to exit the aircraft, he reported having no sensation in his legs. Removing the musician through the small cabin door worsened the pain, according to Creone’s report.
Classical training was experiencing its greatest popularity. The name Trio Parada Dura was already circulating in everyday life as a synonym for strong friendship and determination. The accident changed that dynamic forever. Barrerito needed a long recovery period.
Retorno on stage and symbolism
Barrerito returned to performing after treatment. Ele remained in the group until 1987. The image of the two singers standing next to their colleague in a wheelchair gained symbolic strength in country music. Pesquisadores highlight the rich repertoire of that period, re-recorded by artists of the new generation to this day.
Cinco Years after the accident, Barrerito opted for a solo career. Ele explained to partners that he would no longer support plane travel. The decision did not stop the trio from continuing. His brother, Parrerito, had already replaced him temporarily during his recovery and took over the position permanently.
Carreira solo by Barrerito
On his solo career, Barrerito released eight albums. Sucessos as “Where Estão the Meus Passos”, “Killed by Dentro” and “Amiga Chair” marked the stage. Nesta last, the musician made direct reference to the wheelchair. The lyrics speak of a voice that comes from within and faith that remains despite suffering.
Barrerito died in 1998, aged 56, after a heart attack. Parrerito passed away in 2020, victim of complications from Covid-19. Creone remains the only living member of the original lineup and keeps Trio Parada Dura active.
Legado in the country
The accident became part of the history of the genre. Reportagens specials, like the one shown recently on EPTV, bring the episode back to the context of awards shows and traditional parties. The case illustrates the risks of constant travel that country artists faced at the time, before safer structures.
Classical training remains a reference. Frases from day to day still evoke the “trio” as an example of union. The 1982 episode, however, reminds us that even icons of Brazilian music went through dramatic moments away from the stage.
