A small aircraft crashed on Saturday morning, February 15, 2025, in Quadra, São Paulo, resulting in the tragic deaths of its occupants, Nelson José Ponzoni, 77, and his wife, Vivien Neide Barbosa Bonafer Ponzoni, 74. The couple, married for many years, had been enjoying their time at their vacation home near the Aeroquadra Flight Club, where the ill-fated flight originated.
Ponzoni, known for his extensive experience as a pilot with past affiliations with prominent Brazilian airlines Varig and Vasp, was piloting the CT-U model aircraft, registered as PU-MSM. According to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), which regulated the aircraft, it was categorized as experimental—meaning it had not been manufactured by major producers and was primarily used for recreational purposes.
Witnesses reported hearing the engine of the aircraft struggle before the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. The plane was intended to execute a routine flight over the area and return safely to the flight club. Eyewitness accounts, including one from a nearby resident, describe hearing the plane's ascent followed by the ominous sound of its descent, which culminated with plumes of dark smoke rising from the canavial (sugarcane field) where it went down.
The accident was confirmed by the São Paulo Fire Department, which stated they found the bodies of both victims, tragically charred, at the scene. Fire crews quickly arrived at the location, using five vehicles to address the incident and extinguish the flames ignited by the crash.
This incident occurred along the Municipal Road Zulmira Coelho Miranda de Oliveira, linking Quadra to Tatuí, highlighting the risks associated with small, experimental aircraft, which often do not have the same rigorous safety standards as commercial planes. The aircraft had been deemed airworthy at the time of the flight, having been registered to Ponzoni since September 10, 2018, and was cleared for daytime operations. It was reported to have suffered no significant mechanical issues prior to this accident.
Investigation efforts have commenced under the oversight of the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA), which will assess the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial reports suggest the pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing, but the exact sequence of events leading to the accident remains unclear.
Interestingly, this was not the first incident involving this aircraft. Prior to this, it had been involved in another accident without casualties back on September 4, 2019, when it crash-landed during adverse weather conditions and was reported to have experienced significant damage.
Most experimental aircraft, including the CT-U involved, are typically utilized for leisure or as experimental vehicles for new aviation concepts. These planes are commonly restricted to flying over sparsely populated areas due to safety regulations, which are meant to minimize the risk to the public.
The tragic loss of Nelson and Vivien Ponzoni reverberates through the local community, where they were known figures; Nelson as someone who contributed to the aviation field, and Vivien as both a psychologist and educator.
Past reports indicate the Brazilian aviation sector has seen its share of small aircraft incidents. Alarming statistics reveal the frequency of such accidents, with Brazil recording about one plane crash every two days. The undercurrent of concern around safety regulations and the operation of experimental aircraft continues to surface among aviation professionals and the public, underlining the need for rigorous adherence to safety protocols.
Members of the community have expressed their shock and sadness over the couple's untimely deaths, with many remembering them fondly as dedicated members of the community and passionate individuals. The investigation process is still underway, and officials hope to provide more insights and clarity on the causes of this tragic event once the facts have been thoroughly examined.
While this incident marks yet another unfortunate chapter within the lens of aviation safety, it also casts light on the personal loss experienced by families facing such devastating circumstances. The Ponzoni duo leaves behind three children, who now must cope with their sudden and tragic departure.
For many, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with flying and the importance of aviation safety, especially concerning smaller, privately-owned aircraft. The hope is for thorough investigations to bring forth necessary changes to prevent such tragedies from happening again.