São José do Rio Preto, Brazil: A training aircraft operated by the Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto crashed shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning, killing both occupants onboard. The accident occurred around 11:50 AM in a rural area approximately 6.5 kilometers from the aeroclub’s base in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo state.
Victims Identified
Authorities have confirmed that the victims were:
- Abner Casagrande de Oliveira, 41, serving as the flight instructor. A resident of São José do Rio Preto, Oliveira had recently completed his theoretical training for a flight instructor’s rating and was conducting practical instruction at the time of the crash. He is survived by his wife and three young daughters.
- Felipe Coiado Gomes, 23, a student pilot from Potirendaba, São Paulo. Gomes obtained his private pilot license in 2024 and had recently begun training toward higher qualifications.
Both individuals were affiliated with the Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto, one of the region’s oldest flight training organizations.
Aircraft and Crash Details
The aircraft involved was a CAP-4 Paulistinha, tail number PP-RDJ, a two-seat, single-engine, high-wing trainer manufactured in 1943. The aircraft departed on a routine training flight from the Aeroclube’s airfield. According to emergency services, it crashed in an open rural area off Estrada da Balsanova and caught fire on impact. Firefighters responded promptly but found both occupants deceased at the scene.
Local authorities have stated that the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was valid until the date of the accident. The CAP-4 model, despite its age, remains in use across Brazil for basic pilot training and glider towing due to its simple mechanics and handling.
Investigation Launched
The Brazilian Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) confirmed that an official investigation is underway through its regional office SERIPA IV, which covers the São Paulo region. Investigators are analyzing multiple factors, including:
- Flight and maintenance records
- Air traffic communications
- Meteorological conditions at the time of departure
- Pilot qualifications and flight experience
- Witness accounts and post-crash evidence
CENIPA is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, outlining initial findings. A comprehensive final report may take several months to complete. No official cause of the crash has been determined as of July 2, and authorities have not reported signs of mechanical failure or external interference.
The Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto released a statement expressing condolences to the families and confirming full cooperation with investigators. Flight training operations at the club have been temporarily suspended pending internal review and support for staff and students.
