A twin-engine Neiva EMB-721C plane crashed into a building in Silveira neighborhood, Belo Horizonte, on Monday (May 4, 2026), killing three and injuring two. The flight had taken off from Pampulha Airport bound for São Paulo minutes earlier. Authorities are investigating the causes.
The crash happened at 12:21, four minutes after takeoff at 12:16 from Pampulha Airport. The PT-EYT aircraft, carrying five people, lost altitude shortly after climb and struck the staircase of a three-story building on Ilacir Pereira Lima street, 667, Silveira neighborhood. Pilot Wellington de Oliveira, 34, declared 'mayday' to air traffic control due to trouble gaining height, according to NAV Brasil.
Fatalities include pilot Wellington de Oliveira, veterinarian Fernando Moreira Souto, 36, son of Jequitinhonha's mayor, and businessman Leonardo Berganholi, 50, who died at Hospital João XXIII. Two survivors, Hemerson Cleiton Almeida Souto, 53, and Arthur Schaper Berganholi, 25, Leonardo's son, remain hospitalized there in stable condition, per Fhemig. The flight originated from Teófilo Otoni (MG) that morning, with two female passengers who disembarked in Belo Horizonte.
Building residents, like Claudete Martins, described the staircase destruction: "Não tem mais escada, só tem motor e peça de avião, acabou tudo." No residents were injured, but the building was temporarily closed by Civil Defense due to fuel leak. Deputy secretary Elcione Menezes Alves said the structure would be assessed and released as needed.
Cenipa of the Brazilian Air Force and Civil Police are investigating, examining engine power loss, maintenance history, and possible fuel contamination. The 1979-built aircraft had a certificate valid until 2027 but operated as a private flight without taxi-aerial authorization. Governor Mateus Simões offered condolences: "Meus sentimentos às famílias do piloto Wellington Oliveira e de Fernando Moreira Souto."
