Residents Run for Cover as São Paulo Fans Face Double Trouble

On September 25, a Brazilian blimp decked out with São Paulo Futebol Clube gear was sent to pump up fans before a major game. However, this display had the opposite effect when the ship came crashing down in a neighborhood, sending residents running.

The ADB 3-3, produced by ‘Airship do Brasil’, was hired by the soccer club to fly during the team’s Copa Libertadores quarterfinal game against Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo. The 49-meter-long ship was adorned with the team’s colors and logo, featuring the phrase “ "Vamos, São Paulo.”

Pilots were running a test flight over São Paulo’s Osasco neighborhood when the accident occurred. Spectator footage showcases the blimp taking a slow dive toward homes, nearly 4 miles from where it took off. The cockpit landed in the street, leaving the deflated ship blanketing buildings and power lines.

Luckily, though the blimp is capable of carrying up to 7 people, only a pilot and copilot were on board. The São Paulo fire department reported only injury, with the pilot hospitalized and expected to make a full recovery. It is unknown whether or not people were in the homes that the ship dove into.

The day was rough all around, with the São Paulo Futebol Clube taking a loss of their own. The team made it all the way to penalty kicks before being defeated by Botafogo.

This event had a fairly positive outcome compared to other recent local aviation accidents. Early last month, Voepass Flight 2283 stalled and entered a flat spin outside São Paulo, resulting in the deaths of all 62 passengers and crew. The ATR 72-500 was believed to have structural icing on the wings and a de-icing system failure.

The Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) is taking charge of the investigation.

FMI: www.adb.ind.br