Portugal firefighting crash: investigators cite severe pilot training and oversight failures

Portugal’s air accident authority GPIAAF has concluded that serious shortcomings in pilot training and supervision contributed to a helicopter crash last year that killed five elite GNR firefighters—one of the deadliest accidents in the country’s aerial firefighting history.

The investigation found no mechanical failures, despite the pilot’s claim of “instrument failure.” Instead, the crash was attributed to the pilot’s decision to fly low and fast over the Douro River, greatly increasing the risk. Investigators said this reflected a broader culture of unsafe shortcuts, low-altitude flying without operational need, and a lack of operator or regulatory oversight.

GPIAAF has issued recommendations urging stricter training and monitoring of firefighting pilots, comparing the necessary controls to those imposed on long-distance truck drivers.

Pilot Luís Rebelo has already been indicted for negligent homicide and is banned from flying pending trial. Investigators placed full blame on him for the accident.

Meanwhile, the Association of GNR Professionals revealed the five victims had received no training on escaping from a submerged aircraft, underscoring additional safety gaps.

Source: Correio da Manhã