Albano Cunha, a lawyer and friend of the pilot who survived the helicopter crash in the Douro River, stated that a “technical failure” was likely the cause of the accident. He also mentioned that the man is now aware of the death of four other occupants of the aircraft and revealed what is known about how he managed to survive.
Speaking to SIC Notícias, the friend shared information that was conveyed to him by the pilot’s close family, particularly a sister who is a nurse and is in direct contact with him at the hospital.
Cunha said that the accident was likely caused by a “technical failure of the helicopter’s directional system, which became stuck.” He also stated that there is allegedly a video documenting how the aircraft fell, which “is already being analyzed by the authorities.”
Regarding the victims, the man revealed that the pilot has been informed of the “death” of the four people whose bodies were found.
“He entered the operating room constantly asking about these people, asking what happened, and the hospital team decided to inform him moments ago about what had happened. He is now in recovery, has been operated on, and we are waiting for his recovery so we can also speak directly with him,” he said.
Cunha also stated that the pilot “knows the area very well” where the accident occurred and is a “very experienced pilot,” having performed these duties “for over 15 years.” “He is an extremely careful, very rigorous person. He is a very competent professional,” he emphasized.
Regarding how he survived the accident, it appears that “upon impact, the pilot’s seat came loose, and he was ejected.” “In this way, he managed to surface in the river and be rescued alive,” the lawyer recounted.
It should be noted that a source from Vila Real Hospital had confirmed to Lusa that the pilot “is stable” and under medical observation.
The helicopter crashed into the Douro River around 12:50 PM, near the town of Samodães, Lamego, carrying six passengers, including the pilot and a team of five military personnel returning from fighting a fire in the municipality of Baião.
The aircraft’s pilot exited on his own and was rescued by a recreational boat, having suffered abrasions on his legs, according to authorities.
During the afternoon, the bodies of four of the military personnel on board the aircraft were located. One more military member remains missing.
