Cenipa will investigate plane explosion in Ubatuba, coast of São Paulo

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) announced that investigators from the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa) were called to investigate the explosion of a small plane this Thursday (9) in Ubatuba, on the coast of São Paulo.

The aircraft, registered PR-GFS, carried four passengers and the pilot, three adults and two children. Three other people were hit on the ground while walking at a skateboard near the crash site. According to Ubatuba city hall, the death of the pilot, who was trapped in the wreckage, was confirmed. Additionally, seven people were injured.

TODAY – The moment a plane leaves the runway and explodes on Ubatuba beach in SP.

There is no official information about victims. pic.twitter.com/3b3y6ZE0t4

— Fotos de Fatos (@FotosDeFatos) January 9, 2025

_{Video shows moment when small aircraft crashes on Ubatuba beach (Video: reproduction/X/@FotosDeFatos)}

Initial investigations

Investigators from the Fourth Regional Aviation Accident Investigation and Prevention Service, located in São Paulo, were mobilized by the FAB to begin analyzing the accident involving the jet. The so-called “initial action”, conducted by specialized professionals, involves collecting and confirming data, preserving elements of the scene and assessing the damage caused to the aircraft, in addition to gathering information relevant to the case.

Cenipa committed to completing the investigation in the shortest possible time, taking into account the complexity of the situation and the factors that may have contributed to the accident. To assist in the incident, several institutions are collaborating, including the Civil Defense, Municipal Civil Guard, Security Secretariat, Fire Department and Military Police of Ubatuba.

The accident

The accident occurred on the edge of Praia do Cruzeiro, when the aircraft was unable to land and overshot the runway. The plane involved is a twin-engine Cessna Citation jet, designed to carry up to eight people, including a crew member.

According to information from Rede Voa, the company that operates Ubatuba Airport, the aircraft departed from Mineiros Municipal Airport, in Goiás, bound for Ubatuba Airport. However, upon arriving in the city of São Paulo, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions, with rain and a wet runway, which led to the decision to make a forced landing.

Featured photo: Small plane suffers explosion and crashes in Ubatuba (Reproduction/João Mota/TV Vanguarda)