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Six people, including American singer Oliver Tree and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, were killed after two helicopters collided in mid-air over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning. The accident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes district on June 14, when a Bell 206B JetRanger III and an Aérospatiale AS350B2 Écureuil crashed following an airborne collision. Both helicopters were destroyed, and there were no survivors.
The crash immediately drew international attention due to the high-profile passengers involved and the dramatic aftermath. One of the helicopters plunged into a parking area containing numerous vehicles, triggering a major fire that destroyed approximately 20 cars and scattered wreckage across a wide area. Brazilian authorities, including the Aviation Accident Investigation and Prevention Center of Brazil (CENIPA) and local police, have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision.
Two Helicopters Collide Above Rio de Janeiro, Killing Six People
According to Brazilian authorities and multiple local media reports, the collision occurred at approximately 08:59 local time above Rio de Janeiro’s western zone. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but all six occupants aboard the two helicopters were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators from Brazil’s CENIPA arrived shortly afterward to begin evidence collection and site preservation.
The aircraft involved were identified as the Bell 206B JetRanger III (registration PP-MAC), and the Aérospatiale AS350B2 Écureuil (registration PR-DJJ). According to Brazilian aircraft registry information, both helicopters were operating with valid documentation and airworthiness certificates. Neither aircraft was authorized for air taxi operations, although authorities have not indicated whether either helicopter was being used commercially at the time of the accident.
CNN Brasil identified the six victims as passengers Oliver Tree Nickel, Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. Tree, best known for hits including Life Goes On and Miss You, was in Brazil during his ongoing world tour. Gaspar Prim, widely known online as “Gaspi,” had built a substantial following on YouTube and social media platforms.
A Collision In One Of The World’s Busiest Helicopter Corridors
Video footage circulating on social media shortly after the accident appeared to show the aftermath of the collision, including a helicopter engulfed in flames after it impacted the ground. Images from the scene showed extensive fire damage and debris spread across the area surrounding the crash site. According to CNN Brasil, one helicopter crashed into a BYD vehicle storage facility, igniting numerous electric vehicles and complicating firefighting efforts.
The Bell 206B involved in the collision was manufactured in 1999 and is configured to carry one pilot and four passengers. The AS350B2 Écureuil, commonly known in Brazil as the “Esquilo,” was manufactured in 2012 and can accommodate one pilot and up to five passengers. Both helicopters are widely used worldwide for private transportation, aerial observation, and utility missions.
Rio de Janeiro has one of the world’s busiest helicopter environments due to heavy demand from business travelers, tourism operators, and private owners. Helicopter traffic is a common sight above the city, particularly along coastal and affluent districts where rotorcraft are frequently used to avoid road congestion. Investigators will now examine flight paths, communications records, maintenance documentation, and weather conditions to determine how the two aircraft came into conflict.
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Investigation Underway As Authorities Search For Answers
According to records from the Aviation Safety Network, separate accident investigations have been opened for both helicopters involved in the collision. Both entries classify the occurrence as a fatal midair collision over Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil’s Air Force confirmed that specialists from SERIPA III, the regional aviation accident investigation service, have been tasked with conducting the initial phase of the inquiry. This process includes collecting evidence, documenting wreckage positions, and preserving critical information before detailed technical analysis begins.
For now, many questions remain unanswered. The crash is one of Brazil’s deadliest helicopter accidents in recent years and has renewed attention to helicopter traffic management in major urban centers. Authorities have not yet released preliminary information on the cause of the collision or data such as flight plans, altitude separation, and communications between the aircraft before impact. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, while a final investigation report could take considerably longer to complete.
