A small plane crash on February 10 claimed the life of Fredy Tanos, a 70-year-old entrepreneur from Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Tanos was the owner of the Laboranálise laboratory network and was flying as a passenger on the monomotor aircraft, registered as PU-DLG, which crashed and exploded shortly after descending to low altitude.
The pilot of the aircraft, Mário Gontijo, who is the owner of the plane and former Secretary of Health for the city of Eunápolis, managed to escape before the explosion, suffering injuries and later being airlifted to Hospital Luís Eduardo Magalhães, located in Porto Seguro. He is reported to be stable but is understandably devastated by the loss of his close friend Tanos.
Fredy Antonio Tanos Lopes, born and raised in Sete Lagoas, had founded Laboranálise shortly after graduating with a degree in biochemistry from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (Ufop) in 1977. The laboratory chain, which consists of three units, has been instrumental within the community. He also held leadership positions within local organizations, including serving two terms as president at Iporanga Social Club and recently taking on director responsibilities.
Witness accounts indicated the aircraft lost altitude prior to the crash, reportedly colliding with a coconut tree before detonations occurred. This tragic incident took place between the districts of Corumbau and Cumuruxatiba, within the rural area of Prado, located in the southern region of Bahia. Emergency responders from the Volunteer Emergency Brigade of Cumuruxatiba were able to recover the remains of Tanos from the wreckage, which had unfortunately been severely burned. His body was then transported to the Medical Legal Institute for forensic examination.
Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the causes of the crash, with the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) involved. Reports indicate this incident is part of concerning trends, being the second accident within the region occurring within less than a month.
Mário Gontijo, who piloted the ill-fated aircraft, was reported as experienced and had previously operated the plane without issues. Despite this background, the precise factors leading to the crash remain unclear. The accident has drawn attention due to not only the tragedy but also its impact on the local community, which laments the passing of Tanos, widely regarded as both successful and community-focused.
The local media has reached out to the family for comments, but at this time, no additional details about the funeral arrangements for Tanos have been made available.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, especially among small aircraft. With the investigation still underway and data yet to be gathered, it offers the local community both tragedy and concern, reflecting on the high stakes of flying and its personal impact. Fredy Tanos leaves behind two children, both of whom are practicing doctors, and the legacy of his influential work with Laboranálise and contributions to public health initiatives.
For the time being, families, friends, and colleagues continue to pay tribute to Tanos' diverse contributions to local society and the significant loss felt by his untimely passing.