Bolivian light aircraft set alight in Mato Grosso: pilot dies after fleeing from police
A light aircraft from Bolivia was intercepted and destroyed on a clandestine airstrip in Juara, Brazil. Its pilot died after resisting agents from Gefron.
Pilot dies in Mato Grosso after setting light aircraft from Bolivia alight
A light aircraft from Bolivia was intercepted and set alight in a rural area of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, according to reporting by El Deber. The pilot of the aircraft died after fleeing into the forest to avoid his arrest.
The incident took place in the municipality of Juara, approximately 650 kilometres from Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) indicated that the aircraft was carrying out irregular flights and did not have a registered flight plan.
During the interception operation, the pilot made an emergency landing on a clandestine airstrip located in the Fazenda Monte Azul region, approximately 80 kilometres from the urban area of Juara. After descending, he set the light aircraft alight and headed into the forest.
The Special Border Group (Gefron) located the man in the early hours of Saturday, hiding in the wooded area. According to the police report, the pilot resisted the approach of the agents and died after receiving medical attention. His identity had not been revealed as of the latest update to the reports.
The operation was coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), with participation from the Brazilian Federal Police, according to reporting by the media outlet Globo. The operation deployed A-29 Super Tucano fighter aircraft and an E-99 radar surveillance aircraft, intended to detect suspicious aerial movements.
Security forces are investigating a possible link to drug trafficking. However, the reports released so far do not confirm that controlled substances were found in the aircraft.
The light aircraft was completely destroyed by fire, whilst Brazilian authorities continue investigations to clarify the circumstances of the flight and determine possible responsibilities.
Source: El Deber