Paraíba, Brazil: A light helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff in Brazil’s northeastern state of Paraíba, leaving all four people onboard injured but without any reported fatalities, according to early official and aviation safety reports. The accident occurred in Campina Grande, a major city in the state, on April 18, 2026.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter. It had only just departed from an area near a hotel in the Mirante district when the incident took place. Preliminary accounts suggest the helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power moments after becoming airborne, resulting in a rapid descent and crash landing approximately 100 metres from the takeoff point, close to the Garden Hotel area.
There were four occupants onboard at the time of the accident, including three adults and one child. All survived the crash. However, multiple occupants sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. While the severity of injuries has not been fully detailed, reports indicate at least some required immediate hospitalization following the impact.
A court in Campina Grande has released helicopter pilot Josevan Rodrigues Ferreira, 46, to await trial after his arrest following the crash. Police had detained him after determining he allegedly lacked the required licence to fly the aircraft and held an expired aeronautical medical certificate.
The helicopter was carrying four people, including Ferreira, his twin brother Josean Rodrigues Ferreira, aircraft owner Lamartynne Oliveira, and a nine-year-old child. Three occupants, including the pilot, were hospitalized following the crash.
According to investigator Rodrigo Monteiro, Ferreira was arrested after being discharged from hospital and later released following a custody hearing. He remained silent during questioning and subsequently required further medical treatment.
Police stated that Ferreira is being investigated for endangering the safety of air transport, with authorities confirming he allegedly lacked proper qualification and had an expired medical certificate.
The helicopter sustained significant damage in the crash, consistent with a low-altitude impact shortly after takeoff. Images and initial descriptions from the scene indicate a heavily damaged airframe, with emergency responders quickly arriving to secure the area and assist the injured passengers.
Local emergency services were deployed promptly after the crash, and rescue operations were carried out in the vicinity of the accident site. Authorities confirmed that all occupants were accounted for, and no ground casualties were reported.
Investigators have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident. Early focus areas include a possible engine or power failure, as well as maintenance history, operational factors, and environmental conditions at the time of takeoff. The exact cause has not yet been determined, and officials have not released any conclusive findings.
The accident remains under investigation by aviation authorities in Brazil.
