Plane strikes residential building in Brazil, leaves trail of death

A small aircraft crash in Brazil has left three people dead and two others seriously injured after the plane struck a residential building shortly after takeoff.

The incident involved a single-engine propeller aircraft that departed from Pampulha Airport and was airborne for only about nine minutes before the accident occurred around 12:16 PM local time.

Authorities said there were five people on board. During the flight, the pilot reportedly contacted air traffic control to report difficulties during takeoff. Moments later, the aircraft went down in an urban area in Selvira, crashing directly into a residential building.

The pilot and co-pilot were killed instantly. One passenger later died in hospital due to severe injuries, while two others remain in serious condition under medical care.

Emergency responders confirmed that no residents inside the building were injured. The fire department said the aircraft struck between the third and fourth floors, with part of the wreckage entering the building’s stairwell, causing significant structural damage.

Investigators from the Brazilian Air Force, along with other aviation authorities, have launched a formal inquiry to determine the cause of the crash, including possible mechanical failure or operational issues.