Who was the helicopter pilot who died after an aircraft crash in MG

Rafael Grossi Teixeira, 43 years old, had been a helicopter pilot for two decades and worked on training new aviation professionals. He died after a helicopter crashed on a farm in Passos (MG), on Saturday afternoon (7). The aircraft was carrying four guests from a wedding held on the rural property, in addition to the pilot.

In addition to his experience as a pilot, Rafael served at the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) and worked in the management of the agency's civil aviation schools, training and exam centers.

He was also a founding partner of AR Aviation School, a pilot training school created in March 2024. The institution announced the professional's death in a joint note with RGT Aviation, in which it offered condolences to family and friends. Rafael leaves behind a son.

### Participation in pilot training

The idea of creating the AR Aviation School arose in March 2023, following an informal conversation with Rafael about the need to improve the efficiency and quality of training for aviation professionals.

According to the school's institutional presentation, the objective was to share knowledge and experiences accumulated throughout the career, contributing to the preparation of future pilots.

The institution began activities on March 15, 2024, as a Civil Aviation Instruction Center (CIAC), with 13 practical helicopter and airplane courses.

The structure also had simulators and aircraft certified by Anac. The teaching model provided for theoretical and practical training, combining the use of simulators with flight activities.

### Companies suspend activities

In a joint statement, RGT Aviation and AR Aviation School announced Rafael's death and expressed solidarity with his family and friends.

The companies also informed that all activities are suspended indefinitely. Classes that were already scheduled will be rescheduled.

"In this moment of pain, we express our most sincere condolences to family and friends. May God comfort and strengthen everyone. [...] We ask for everyone's understanding and collaboration, as well as for you to join us in prayers for the family at this difficult time", he informed.

### Death after helicopter crash

Rafael Grossi Teixeira was piloting the Robinson R66 helicopter, registration number PP-MYO, which crashed at Fazenda Tiodoro, in Passos, at around 1:30 pm on Saturday (7).

According to the Fire Department, he was making a reconnaissance flight over a cornfield to assess the best place to land. When it was approximately 20 meters above the ground, the aircraft began to destabilize and crashed.

The five occupants were rescued alive and taken to Santa Casa de Passos. Rafael arrived consciously at the hospital, but worsened during the night and died after a medical reassessment, as reported by the unit's technical director, José Ronaldo Alves.

The other four people who were in the helicopter remain hospitalized in stable clinical condition. One of them is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and the other three remain in infirmary beds.

The Civil Police carried out an investigation at the scene and reported that the circumstances of the accident are being investigated.

In a note to g1, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa), informed that investigators from the Third Regional Service for Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention (SERIPA III) were called to carry out the initial investigation into the helicopter crash. The step includes collecting data and checking the damage to identify possible factors that contributed to the accident. The work may result in safety recommendations to prevent new occurrences.