Plane crash in BH kills two people and injures three; aircraft hits residential building

A single-engine plane crashed in Rua Ilacir Pereira Lima, Silveira neighborhood, in Região Nordeste of Belo Horizonte, on Monday afternoon (4), causing the death of two people and leaving three others seriously injured. The small aircraft, which had five occupants on board, hit the stairwell of a residential building. The collision occurred without causing any casualties among the building’s residents, who were promptly evacuated by rescue teams. The passengers and pilot were on their way to São Paulo after a stop in the capital of Minas Gerais, being businesspeople in the technology sector.

Identificação of the victims and injured

Wellington Oliveira, 34 years old, pilot of the aircraft, succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene of the accident. Fernando Moreira Souto, 36 years old, son of the mayor of Jequitinhonha (MG), occupied the co-pilot’s seat and was also declared dead at the scene. Ambos were part of the group that followed São Paulo.

Outras three people on board survived the impact, but were taken to Hospital João XXIII in serious condition. Entre The injured are Leonardo Berganholi, a 50-year-old businessman, and his son Arthur Schaper Berganholi, 25 years old. Hemerson Cleiton Almeida Souto, 53, is also among the hospitalized survivors. The group, a partner in the company Uaitag, operated in the technology and cards sector, with commitments in the capital of São Paulo.

The victims of the accident were identified as:
• Wellington Oliveira, 34 years old, pilot (died at the scene).
• Fernando Moreira Souto, 36 years old, passenger (died at the scene).
• Leonardo Berganholi, 50 years old, businessman (severely injured).
• Arthur Schaper Berganholi, 25 years old, businessman (severely injured).
• Hemerson Cleiton Almeida Souto, 53 years old, businessman (severely injured).

Trajetória of flight and impact dynamics

The aircraft took off from Teófilo Otoni, at Vale from Mucuri, with six people on board, before making a stopover at Belo Horizonte. Upon landing on Aeroporto from Pampulha, two people disembarked, while Hemerson Cleiton Almeida Souto boarded, changing the composition to five occupants before the flight continued. The plane resumed takeoff from Pampulha at 12:16 p.m., bound for São Paulo.

Contudo, moments after takeoff, pilot Wellington Oliveira reported difficulties to Pampulha’s Aeroporto control tower. The aircraft was unable to gain the altitude necessary for the journey. Testemunhas reported hearing unusual noises before the crash. The incident occurred on a road parallel to the busy Avenida Cristiano Machado, one of the main arteries of the capital of Minas Gerais, raising concerns about urban safety.

At around 12:25 p.m., the plane crashed into the parking lot of the residential building and crashed directly into the stairwell between the third and fourth floors. Lieutenant Raul, from Corpo of Bombeiros, explained that the impact at this point was crucial to avoid a greater tragedy. Ele detailed that the aircraft structure was projected into the stairwell, which prevented it from reaching the side apartments. Esses apartments were occupied at the time, according to preliminary information.

The quick response of the emergency services was essential in controlling the situation. Três corporation vehicles arrived at the scene shortly after the fall. Ambulâncias from Samu and teams from Defesa Civil from the capital of Minas Gerais were also mobilized to provide aid to the injured and assess the structural integrity of the building. Todos residents of the building were evacuated shortly before 2pm, ensuring their safety while the area was inspected.

Aircraft Características and operational restrictions

The plane involved in the accident is an EMB-721C model, manufactured in 1979, according to Agência Nacional registration of Aviação Civil (Anac). The aircraft can carry up to five passengers, in addition to the pilot, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,633 kilograms. Estas specifications are standard for small aircraft, often used in private or charter flights, depending on their certification.

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An important detail, according to Anac, is that this aircraft did not have authorization for air taxi operations. Isso means that it could not be legally used for paid commercial transportation of passengers or cargo, a practice exclusive to companies certified for this purpose. The EMB-721C model is widely known in aeronautical circles as “sertanejo”, a nickname that reflects its popularity on regional flights.

The lack of authorization for an air taxi could have implications for investigations, especially if it is confirmed that the flight was for commercial purposes. Brazilian legislation is clear regarding the distinctions between private and commercial flights, establishing specific requirements and regulations for each category. Anac strictly monitors these operations to ensure passenger safety and compliance with current industry standards.

Ações investigation and bodies involved

Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) was one of the first institutions to speak out about the incident. Imediatamente, investigators from Centro of Investigação and Prevenção of Acidentes Aeronáuticos (CENIPA) were called to begin the investigation process. CENIPA’s mission is to determine the causes and contributing factors of the accident, aiming to prevent future occurrences.

Equipes of Terceiro Serviço Regional of Investigação and Prevenção of Acidentes Aeronáuticos (SERIPA III) are actively at the crash site. Esses professionals have the crucial task of collecting data, preserving elements of the scene and gathering all information that may be relevant to the investigation. The work involves analyzing wreckage, flight records and statements, seeking to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the crash.

Paralelamente to the aeronautical investigation, Polícia Civil of Minas Gerais (PCMG) opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the plane crash. The criminal investigation seeks to identify possible responsibilities and understand whether there was any legal infraction related to the incident. Collaboration between technical and police bodies is essential for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, which encompasses both the technical and legal aspects of the tragedy.

The on-site inspection will be thorough, covering everything from aircraft maintenance and weather conditions at the time of flight to the pilot’s experience and qualifications. The results of these investigations will be crucial to understanding the totality of factors that culminated in this serious air accident at Belo Horizonte. The authorities intend to publish the conclusions in a timely manner, ensuring clarity about what happened.