Small Plane Crash in São Paulo’s Barra Funda Kills Two, Sparks Fire

A small aircraft crashed in São Paulo’s Barra Funda, killing two and sparking a bus fire. The incident unfolded on Avenida Marquês de São Vicente when a plane, identified as PS-FEM, took off from Campo de Marte Airport at around 7:15 AM on February 7, 2025, with Porto Alegre as its destination.

The plane, a King Air F90 with capacity for eight passengers, met with disaster shortly after takeoff, attempting an emergency landing. It crashed into the avenue, causing immediate chaos.

The two occupants, lawyer Márcio Louzada Carpena, 49, and pilot Gustavo Medeiros, perished in the wreckage, which left them carbonized. Six individuals on the ground sustained minor injuries.

These included five people at a bus stop, one of whom was an older person, and a motorcyclist. The quick response by the fire department prevented severe burns as the fire was subdued within ten minutes.

The crash ignited a bus from the Santa Brígida line, which was part of route 8500/10 from Pirituba to Barra Funda. The incident led to a significant spill of kerosene, marking the road with a large stain.

Impact and Aftermath of the Crash

This event caused the closure of the avenue, rerouting ten bus lines and creating traffic mayhem with cars reversing or driving against traffic to avoid the flames.

The noise of the crash echoed through the neighborhood, and a thick smoke curtain was visible even from Marginal Pinheiros. The immediate area became a scene of emergency response, with firefighters and police rushing to the site.

Investigators from SERIPA IV, part of the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa), started their work at the scene.

This crash brings to light concerns about aviation safety in urban settings. This is especially true in a city like São Paulo, where space and infrastructure are at a premium.

This event not only disrupted daily life but also highlighted the critical need for effective emergency systems. It also emphasized the importance of stricter aviation regulations to prevent future tragedies.

The investigation into the cause of this crash continues. The community and aviation authorities are looking for answers to ensure such incidents do not recur.