Brazilian Man Flies Helicopter Without License, Crashes in Robinson R44 Incident

A helicopter crashed in Brazil shortly after takeoff with a family on board after the pilot was found to be flying without a licence and with an expired medical certificate.

The Robinson R44 Raven II four-seater helicopter, registration PR-DCM, lost power during its initial climb next to the Garden Hotel in Campina Grande, Brazil, on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Footage showed the aircraft apparently losing power before plunging from the sky and crashing in a field. The flight lasted only about 15 seconds before the engine failed.

The helicopter was carrying four people at the time of the crash: the pilot, his twin brother, the helicopter owner, and a 9-year-old boy. All four occupants – three adults and a child – survived the impact despite the helicopter sustaining substantial damage.

The pilot, identified as 46-year-old businessman Josevan Rodrigues Ferreira, was taken into custody on Sunday, 19 April 2026, after a Civil Police investigation confirmed he lacked the necessary qualifications to operate the aircraft. Police chief Rodrigo Monteiro stated: “It was confirmed that he lacked a licence to pilot that aircraft, as well as having an expired aeronautical medical certificate.”

Ferreira initially received medical treatment at the Campina Grande Trauma Hospital before being arrested upon his discharge. He has since been released to face charges of endangering air transport safety.

The passengers included the pilot’s twin brother, Josean Rodrigues Ferreira, and the helicopter owner, businessman Lamartynne Oliveira. Local reports indicated the engine lost power following a refuelling stop prior to takeoff.

The Brazilian Air Force and the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Centre have launched a full investigation into the crash to determine the exact sequence of events and contributing factors.