Tocantins, Brazil: A private Embraer EMB-721C Sertanejo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Palmas, in Brazil’s Tocantins state, on Saturday, July 18, killing two passengers and seriously injuring the pilot.
The aircraft, registered PT-EIB (manufacturer serial number 721042), departed Palmas–Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues Airport (PMW/SBPJ) on a private flight to Redenção Airport (RDC/SNDC) in the neighboring state of Pará. The 1977-built aircraft lost altitude during its initial climb before crashing into a farm area between Palmas and Lajeado.
The accident had two fatalities among the three occupants, while the pilot survived the crash and was transported to hospital for treatment. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.
Brazilian media reports identified the victims as 68-year-old doctor Dr. Antônio Carlos Barbosa and his 62-year-old wife, Marlene Barbosa, who were travelling aboard the aircraft when it crashed. Both died at the scene, while the pilot was rescued alive and taken to hospital with injuries. Local reports said the couple were travelling after the doctor had attended his dad’s funeral from Palmas to Redenção.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the crash site shortly after the accident was reported. Authorities secured the area while recovery operations and preliminary examinations of the wreckage were carried out.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Initial information indicates the aircraft lost altitude moments after departure during the initial climb, but investigators have not released any findings on what led to the accident.
The aircraft involved was a privately owned Embraer EMB-721C Sertanejo, a single-engine light aircraft manufactured in 1977. According to ASN, the flight was being conducted as a private operation.
Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) is expected to oversee the technical investigation into the accident. As with all aviation investigations, the objective will be to determine the circumstances and contributing factors of the crash.
