5 Dead When Eurocopter EC 155 B1 Crashes on House

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 04-06-2015, 07:09 AM

A Eurocopter helicopter crashed into a residential area in Carapicuíba, Greater São Paulo, on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the death of all five occupants, including the pilot and three mechanics. The crash occurred approximately 30 minutes after the helicopter departed from a local helipad around 5 p.m.

Initial reports suggest the helicopter was conducting a test flight, potentially for rotor track and balance, following a maintenance procedure that involved changing the main rotor blade. Video footage obtained from the scene indicates that debris from the helicopter was shed in-flight before it impacted two houses—one occupied and another under construction.

Among the victims was Thomaz Rodrigues Alckmin, 31, son of São Paulo Governor Geraldo Alckmin. He was reportedly participating in the flight test after the aircraft's maintenance.

Witnesses, including a local producer, described the helicopter as being "totally out of control" and flipping upside down before crashing. They reported that the aircraft's blades broke off before it collided with the buildings. There were no reported injuries on the ground.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and further details regarding the cause of the crash are pending.