Deadly Mid-Air Helicopter Collision in Rio de Janeiro Kills Six
Six people died Sunday morning when two helicopters collided mid-air over the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes and crashed near Avenida das Américas.
The aircraft involved were an Airbus AS350 Ecureuil (PR-DJJ) and a Bell 206B JetRanger (PP-MAC). One helicopter carried a pilot and four passengers, while the other had a single pilot on board. All six occupants perished.
The collision occurred around 8:59 a.m. local time. One helicopter slammed into a parking lot at an electric vehicle dealership, triggering a large fire that spread to approximately 20 parked cars and caused secondary explosions. Thick black smoke billowed over the area, visible from a distance.
Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and no one on the ground was reported injured.
Brazil’s Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) has launched a full investigation, with teams already on site collecting wreckage, flight data, and witness statements. The cause of the collision remains under review.
The incident has shocked the local community in this coastal area, popular for aerial tours and scenic flights.
No further details on the victims’ identities have been released.
