Brazil Air Force investigates small aircraft crash in Minas Gerais

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has launched an investigation into a small aircraft crash in Mateus Leme, Minas Gerais. The aircraft, piloted by 29-year-old Gustavo Couto, crashed into a wooded area in the Serra Azul district after experiencing a malfunction and a small explosion during a routine maintenance flight.

Couto, who had departed from Pampulha Airport en route to Bom Despacho, survived the incident by using an onboard parachute. He reported attempting to steer the plane toward a more remote area to minimize potential impact before deploying the parachute. The investigation, led by the Third Regional Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Service, aims to identify the contributing factors and prevent similar occurrences.