Brazil’s Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Centre (Cenipa) is examining data from a helicopter crash in Urubici, Santa Catarina. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) estimates the crash occurred at about 11:35 a.m. on September 21. All five people aboard died, including singer Rick of the duo Rick e Renner.
The helicopter left Porto Belo at 10:30 a.m. and was due in São Joaquim at 11:24. Its last radar signal was recorded at 11:34; FAB estimated the impact time from flight-monitoring data. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s position, altitude and speed, possible crew communications and recorded weather conditions.
Search teams, dogs, thermal-camera drones, FAB personnel and state military police took part in the operation. Wreckage was found around noon on September 22 in the mountain area of Vacas Gordas. It took more than three hours on foot to reach the site from the last point accessible to vehicles. The bodies were taken to the forensic medical institute in Florianópolis.
Cenipa completed its initial on-site data collection at 3:30 p.m. on September 23 and moved to analysing the flight plan, operating conditions, human factors and aircraft systems. FAB has given no completion date. Once investigators release the site, the operator or owner must remove the wreckage and clean the area.