Small aircraft crashes in Carutapera, Maranhão

A small aircraft, an RV-10 SLA Jet with prefix PPS-BIT, crashed near the Rio do Engenho in the urban area of Carutapera, Maranhão, shortly after takeoff on Monday morning.

Five people were on board the aircraft, including a pilot, a co-pilot, and three passengers (a man, his wife, and their child). All occupants survived the crash with relatively minor injuries. One woman reportedly sustained an arm injury, and all victims were transported to the Carutapera Municipal Hospital for medical attention.

The aircraft, owned by Ambiental Participações Ltda., arrived in the municipality around 10:30 a.m. and took off again at approximately 11:10 a.m. before the accident occurred. While the aircraft is registered and in regular standing with the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), it does not have authorization to operate as an air taxi service.

Local authorities, including the Municipal Secretariat of Environment, Civil Firefighters, and the Aerial Tactical Center (CTA), responded to the scene to secure the area. Investigations into the cause of the crash are pending.