Bolivian light aircraft set ablaze in Mato Grosso: pilot dies after resisting police
A light aircraft from Bolivia was intercepted by the Brazilian Air Force in Mato Grosso. The pilot set the aircraft on fire and died after resisting security forces.
Pilot of Bolivian light aircraft dies in Mato Grosso after fleeing and setting aircraft alight
A light aircraft from Bolivia was intercepted and set ablaze in a rural area of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, according to eju.tv. The pilot, whose identity has not been revealed, died in the early hours of Saturday after resisting agents who located him in the forest.
The incident took place in the municipality of Juara, approximately 650 kilometres from Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) stated 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 in the Fazenda Monte Azul region, approximately 80 kilometres from the urban area of Juara. He then set the light aircraft on fire and went into the wooded area.
The Special Border Group (Gefron) reported that the man was found in the early hours of Saturday hidden among the vegetation. According to the police report, he resisted the approach of agents and died after receiving medical attention.
The operation was coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) with participation from the Brazilian Federal Police, according to media outlet Globo. The operation employed A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft and an E-99 radar surveillance aircraft, designed to detect suspicious air movements.
Security forces are investigating a possible link to drug trafficking. However, available reports to date have not confirmed the discovery of controlled substances on board the aircraft, which was completely destroyed by fire. Brazilian authorities are continuing investigations to clarify the circumstances of the flight and establish responsibility.
Source: Google News BO — Crime