As part of Operation Ostium, Brazilian Air Force (FAB) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft intercepted a small Cessna 172 that had entered Brazilian airspace from Peru without authorization, in the western region of the state of Amazonas.
The operation, coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), involved the deployment of two A-29 attack aircraft and an H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, with support from Federal Police personnel, and followed the protocols established in the Airspace Surveillance Measures (MPEA).
When the illegal flight was detected, attempts were made to establish radio contact with the intercepted aircraft’s pilot, but no response was received. From that point on, the aircraft was classified as suspicious, and a change of course and mandatory landing at a specific airfield was ordered.
Upon failing to comply with the orders given, the air defense team fired an emergency shot, continuing its flight without following the directives. Subsequently, the aircraft was reclassified as hostile, ending its flight on a dirt runway in the municipality of Barcelos. Before being abandoned, the aircraft was set on fire, and its pilots fled.
The Federal Police arrived at the scene aboard a FAB H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, seizing 95 kilograms of base paste and cocaine hydrochloride. According to General João Campos Ferreira Filho, Chief of Staff of the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), “The action that ultimately prevented the continuation of this flight is part of Operation Ostium, aimed at stopping cross-border illegal activities, in which the Brazilian Air Force and the Federal Police collaborate.”
Illustrative images. Credits: FAB
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