Apex industry: Strengthening South Africa's aerospace and defence landscape.
GAMA releases 2024 aircraft shipment and billing report.
Study reveals general aviation supports over 1.3 million jobs and $339 billion in economic output.
ZeroAvia announces first sale of standalone electric propulsion system.
UK Academy Aeros chose Tecnam.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force becomes the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX Training System.
Abelo expands fleet and converts ATR 42 STOL order.
Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney engine receives EASA type certification.
Japan selects Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to modernize Japan Air Self-Defence Force pilot training.
This week in history - The Thunderbirds Indian Springs Diamond Crash: The worst accident in U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team history involving show aircraft.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Virginia Airshow 2024 Video Clips
APEX INDUSTRY: STRENGTHENING SOUTH AFRICA'S AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE LANDSCAPE
James Kerr www.defenceweb.co.za
The Aerospace and Defence Master Plan of 2020 indicates that the aerospace and defence market is an apex industry and it is aligned with the wealth creation capacity of the country, but the figures backing up the statement were vague.
A high impact visual representation backing the apex industry has been lacking. However, Johan Fourie in his article, South Africa's fading relevance, provides a visual representation of how military expenditure, and thus the aerospace and defence market segment, has a multi-factor impact.
The image highlights that South Africa's share of global GDP and exports has steadily declined, while patents, military expenditure, and the rand's value against the dollar collapsed in the 1990s. Patents and military spending follow almost identical trajectories. The interesting element of the graph is that the Dollar/Rand also loosely tracks military expenditure. Exports have a lag impact of about 3 years, but the impact is less due to the small percentage of defence related exports at present.
All of this translates into South Africa's waning power projection that has culminated in the current SAMIDRC situation, where 14 South African soldiers were killed in fighting M23 rebels, and more remain surrounded by rebels in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Johan Fourie measured relevance by means of the number of mentions that the country received. This is a factor of how front-of-mind South Africa is in the world. A simple Google Trend search on the word “defence” has interesting reading. The general trend of defence mentions in South Africa is declining.
Repeating patterns are seen with the budget allocation and then the December break. Spikes of interest in defence arise when local and regional problems arise. Shock drives the increased mentions. This is because the general population then becomes aware of why a defence capability is necessary. The interesting spike is in the appointment of the current Minister of Defence, which set the 100% baseline for the Google Trend over the last five years.
Can the SA Defence Industry have an impact on South Africa's waning relevance?
The close alignment of innovation (patent applications) and military expenditure provides a set of measures that can be examined to address defence industry challenges:
R&D Incentive. Private defence industry companies lack incentives to invest in research and development. This is a problem as private capital is hesitant to take risks. What is needed is a clear path forward for innovative solutions. This means alignment of industry with the SANDF (South African National Defence Force). A gap exists between the SANDF and South African Defence Industry (SADI). A potential solution could be aligning around the Defence Review 2015 concept of a Special Operation Forces. This would efficiently facilitate the integration of SADI capabilities into defence force capability. SADI is already geared towards specialised, highly mobile combat capability solutions that can be rapidly deployed to remote areas for specific operations. SADI also has well-developed landward combat force capability solutions that can be configured as projectable, multi-role, lighter, infantry-based landward capabilities with enhanced firepower, manoeuvre and protection applicable to a range of contingencies.
Urgent Requirements versus Incremental Innovation. SANDF programme requirements, when released, are based on a historic bias and are incremental in nature. What the regional and international geopolitical environment/battlefield demands is transformative advancements. Again, the Defence Review 2015 team did show a potential innovative way forward.
The bulk of SADI innovative development activities are currently funded by and for international entities. Innovation is not locally applied. This in turn means there is less local reporting/mentions of defence industry.
There are also measures to address the systemic gaps that led to waning power projection:
Define Clear Objectives. The force structure needs to be urgently prioritized. This can be used by the private defence industry to develop local technologies that can evolve over generations and contribute to exports. Note the potential link between defence spending, innovation and exports.
Streamline Acquisition Processes. The defence and security acquisition process needs to create fast-track mechanisms to incorporate privately developed technologies into local security applications. This creates local innovation and the potential for securing first-mover advantage in the targeted market segments.
Regulation, Procedural and Bureaucratic Hurdles. If there is a need to grow the economy, why are the procedures and regulations so onerous? The countries with the highest purchasing power parity (PPP in graph) are the those with the least regulations. Countries with higher regulation have declining PPP. South Africa is currently in the declining PPP environment. Then there is the bureaucratic National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) hurdle for the defence industry.
Encourage Risk Capital. Encourage private sector investment in high-risk, high reward R&D projects through offering support and incentives. Defence sector Public Private Co-operation is one such endeavour. The Defence Industry Strategy proposed hybrid Special Economic Zones for the defence sector.
Benchmarking Progress. South Africa cannot survive on incremental innovation alone. Performance should be measured against strategic needs/clear objectives and the advancements of sectoral competitors.
As stated in my previous article, SADI has a capability that is ready for expansion to drive inclusive growth and job creation. With the correct interventions, the defence industry could easily grow fivefold from its current levels. The initial focus would be on re-establishing the main equipment for the defence force, while expanding into the export market.
A stretch target would be to grow SADI to supply 1% of global arms and have 2-4 companies in the SIPRI top 100 international defence companies. There are sufficient niches that the current SADI capabilities can exploit. Think of the Special Operation Forces products. The stretch target for future SADI should be for minimum annual revenues of R70 billion coupled with the expansion of the employment capacity to over 50,000 employees. This growth can be achieved in the five-to-ten-year medium term.
South Africa could then return to a position of true power projection internationally, and in the region. This would be a two-fold advantage. Firstly, giving a locally supported and projectable defence capability. Secondly, the benefit of economic strength to back up power projection.
Aerospace and Defence is the apex industry that can enable improved power projection.
Written by James Kerr, Orion Consulting CC, which provides Market Entry Strategy and Bid & Proposal services to the Aerospace & Defence related industry and assists international SME mission system product suppliers to gain traction in South Africa.
GAMA RELEASES 2024 AIRCRAFT SHIPMENT AND BILLING REPORT
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2024 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference. Overall, when compared to 2023, nearly all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $31.2 billion, an increase of 13.3%.
“As we report on the strength of the general aviation manufacturing industry over the past year, it is notable that for the first time in a decade our companies again exceeded $30 billion in annual billings and for the second year in a row, we shipped more than 4,000 units. This strong performance provides great momentum into 2025, but it is essential that policymakers and regulators on both sides of the Atlantic recognize that for continued growth, they must work with industry on policy issues such as taxes, trade, regulations and supply chain. General aviation is at the forefront of advancing technology that makes flying safer and more sustainable, while providing efficient and reliable global economic connectivity, and air accessibility to rural and small communities that lack commercial airline services. It would be a travesty to see any of this progress halted due to policy decisions that could have unintended consequences for an industry that contributes so much.” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
Airplane shipments in 2024, when compared to 2023, saw piston airplanes increase 4.2% with 1,772 units, turboprops decline slightly by 1.9% with 626 units, and business jets increase 4.7% with 764 units. The value of airplane deliveries for 2024 was $26.7 billion, an increase of 14.3%.
Helicopter shipments in 2024, when compared to 2023, saw piston helicopters in-line with 210 units, and preliminary turbine helicopters in-line with 746 units, an increase of one and three units respectively. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2024 was $4.5 billion, an increase of approximately 7.6%.
STUDY REVEALS GENERAL AVIATION SUPPORTS OVER 1.3 MILLION JOBS AND $339 BILLION IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT
An updated study, released today, details the robust contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. A group of eight general aviation associations welcomed the update, conducted by PwC US Tax LLP, which determined that general aviation supports a total 1,330,200 jobs and a total of $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) sponsored the study. Leaders of the associations were encouraged by the study's depiction of the significant contribution that the general aviation industry has on the U.S. economy.
“We are proud to report that despite challenges that have plagued the entire aerospace industry since the beginning of the pandemic, the segment of the U.S. economy affected by general aviation grew over 150,000 jobs and an additional $92 billion in annual economic impact since last reported in 2020,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. “This growth takes place at a time when the importance of the societal benefits that general aviation brings to humankind around the globe cannot be overstated. From aerial firefighting, medical airlift, natural disaster response, law enforcement, agriculture protection, through drone vaccine delivery, general aviation is saving lives while our business aviation segment creates the corporate connectivity to allow companies the competitive advantage needed to create more jobs and promote economic growth. General aviation is the technology incubator for civil aviation - our evolution is spurring more sustainable propulsion systems, safety enhancing avionics capabilities, advanced material manufacturing, and improved maintenance, training and support. These amazing innovations all serve as a testament to the strength of our industry being propelled by the hardworking teams that are engineering, building, maintaining and servicing the aircraft of today and tomorrow.”
“This third report in just over a decade is further evidence that general aviation is a catalyst for local economies, a lifeline for rural communities, and essential to the makeup of American commerce,” said Mike Adamson, AEA president and CEO. “The economic contributions of this industry are profound, and the possibilities for the future are promising. As an industry dedicated to powering safer, more efficient flight, we are creating more high-tech and high-wage careers, innovating technologies, providing essential services and inspiring the next generation.”
“This report shows the growing impact of general aviation in every part of the U.S.,” said Darren Pleasance, AOPA President and CEO. “Since the last report in 2020, the number of people learning to fly has nearly doubled, proving once again that general aviation provides more value than ever to communities across the country. As an industry, we must do our part to continue to inspire and provide resources for future pilots, aircraft technicians, and others who want to work in this industry.”
“Those of us who are involved in general aviation see its contributions, vitality, and importance every day, but this information showcases this remarkable segment of our nation's economy for everyone,” said Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Experimental Aircraft Association. “General aviation is not only about economic growth; it is also about supporting communities and individuals as a unique element of personal freedom in America.”
“While general aviation's contribution to the nation's economy and transportation system is often overlooked, this study outlines the critical role it plays in connecting communities and providing job opportunities,” said Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO of NASAO. “No matter where you live in America, general aviation and the airports that support it help move people, goods, and services that are an integral part of our lives. The vast majority of the nation's airports were designed and built to support general aviation, and they continue to play an irreplaceable role in our aviation infrastructure.”
"This latest survey demonstrates the continued resiliency, growing innovation, and vast contributions of aeronautical service providers across the country. The professionals at FBOs, air charter operations, MROs, general aviation airports, flight training organizations, and advanced air mobility companies work tirelessly to ensure safe, efficient, and essential aviation services at all times and in any environment, while driving job creation and economic growth," stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
“This study powerfully demonstrates general aviation's essential and growing role in creating jobs, supporting economic activity, connecting communities and helping companies of all sizes succeed, nationally and in every state,” said Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO. "This authoritative report will be valuable in our industry's work to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the sector's size and central role in the nation's economy and transportation system.”
“As we saw with their critical role in the LA wildfires, helicopters are and will remain indispensable aircraft that protect communities and better people's lives,” says James Viola, president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly known as Helicopter Association International (HAI). “Today's helicopters and the burgeoning advanced air mobility (AAM) VTOL fleet will only continue to enhance vertical aviation's contributions to society and the global economy.”
To determine the total U.S. economic impact of general aviation, the study calculated the direct, indirect, induced and enabled economic impacts, based on the most recent data available from 2023.
ZEROAVIA ANNOUNCES FIRST SALE OF STANDALONE ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM
ZeroAvia trecently announced that it agreed a deal for the first sale of its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) to Jetcruzer International for electric flight testing to hone the design of its Jetcruzer 500E. Delivery of the development unit EPS is expected this spring
ZeroAvia has secured well in excess of 2,000 pre-orders for its full hydrogen-electric powertrains from commercial airlines and last year the company launched a component offering to serve the market for novel electric air transport applications.
ZeroAvia's 600kW EPS has just received an FAA G-1 issue paper outlining the basis of certification. The system comprises the company's proprietary inverter and electric motor technology to deliver a highly efficient electric engine with exceptional fault tolerance and specific power. The 600kW EPS system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply ZeroAvia's direct drive motor, capable of 2,200 rpm.
ZeroAvia has opened a 136k sq ft Propulsion Center of Excellence in Everett, WA to produce the electric propulsion systems for its own full hydrogen-electric powertrains and for aircraft OEMs like Jetcruzer.
Jetcruzer International is developing the Jetcruzer 500E, a six-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, with an entry-into-service target of 2028, followed by the 1250E in 2030. ZeroAvia's EPS system will be integrated into flight testing using a redesigned and rebuilt Jetcruzer 500 as a testbed for the new electric aircraft. Originally conceived in the 1990s as a cost-effective air transport solution, the Jetcruzer 500 achieved significant FAA certification milestones but never reached production. Jetcruzer International acquired the intellectual property in 2017 and has since been dedicated to advancing a new era of sustainable aviation.
The Jetcruzer 500E is set to become one of the first aircraft with a type certificate to successfully fly with an all-electric propulsion system. This collaboration with ZeroAvia underscores Jetcruzer International's dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.
ZeroAvia has already extensively tested a prototype of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft. The company has also performed advanced ground tests for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system for 40-80 seat aircraft, including proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cells and electric motor designs.
UK ACADEMY AEROS CHOSE TECNAM
Tecnam together with their local dealer Oriens Aviation, and Aeros today announced at Pilot Expo Brussels the purchase agreement for fourteen (14) Tecnam P-Mentor IFR single engine two-seater aircraft. The first six (6) aircraft will be delivered during 2025.
These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio and modular training for both PPL (Private Pilot Licence) and MPL (Multi Pilot Licence) courses. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the P-Mentor the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.
The P-Mentor is a two-seat single engine piston aircraft fully IFR - is compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA & FAA requirements, allowing PBN/RNAV/AFCS capabilities. The modern flight school have today one platform to train students from their first flight up to CPL- IR, including Variable Pitch Propeller, Simulated Retractable Landing Gear and UPRT.
The P-Mentor is designed to offer the best human machine interface resulting in the most effective VFR/IFR training while the generous fuel tank allows Flight Schools to fly all day long without refueling, no interruption is equal to improve operational value. Lowest cost of maintenance, lowest fuel consumption, and the greatest value for money, make this aircraft a unique profit opportunity for any Flight School.
THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE BECOMES THE LAUNCH CUSTOMER FOR THE PC-7 MKX TRAINING SYSTEM
Under a public invitation to tender, issued by the Dutch Procurement Authority, “Material & IT Command” (COMMIT), Pilatus was selected to deliver eight PC-7 MKXs and associated ground-based training systems, including four simulators.
The purchase demonstrates that the Dutch Ministry of Defence is confident that the state-of-the-art PC-7 MKX training system will allow future crews to acquire essential flying skills while preparing for the advanced training phases. The flight simulators will play a larger role, ensuring that fewer aircraft are required, underlining the cost-effectiveness of the new, fully integrated training system by Pilatus.
This comprehensive package includes advanced VR-based components, significantly enhancing immersion and engagement for both student pilots and instructors. The new solution incorporates interactive wallboards and virtual reality modules alongside conventional training tools, creating a more hands-on instructional environment and further elevating the basic pilot training experience.
A central component is Pilatus' advanced Training Management System, featuring Mission Planning and Mission Debriefing tools. While these capabilities have traditionally been introduced only in the advanced stages of flight instruction, they are now being deployed earlier in training. By giving student pilots and instructors access to operational insights and performance analytics, the PC-7 MKX solution enhances situational awareness and accelerates learning, smoothing the transition into more complex aircraft and mission profiles.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence states: “We have had a long and good relationship with Pilatus. With the contract signing for a state-of-the-art learning environment, we are extending this partnership for another 30 years.”
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented as follows: “We're delighted to announce this contract for our new PC-7 MKX training system and we thank Holland for its decision! This marks the beginning of a new era of basic flight training in the Netherlands, which - I am sure - will set a new standard that other air forces will seek to follow.”
Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, adds: “This contract will see us bring our brand-new PC-7 MKX into service together with a comprehensive suite of training aids designed and developed by Pilatus to ensure seamless integration of the training system. We look forward to working closely with the Koninklijke Luchtmacht and are honored by their longstanding confidence in Pilatus.”
Pilatus enjoys a long-and well-established relationship with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, which began with the acquisition of Pilatus PC-7 trainers in 1988. Based on the successful PC-7 MkII, the new PC-7 MKX training system will replace the aging PC-7 “Turbo-Trainer” fleet and will also be based in Woensdrecht, in the south of the Netherlands.
ABELO EXPANDS FLEET AND CONVERTS ATR 42 STOL ORDER
World's number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, and leading turboprop lessor Abelo, have strengthened their partnership with significant fleet updates.
Abelo has converted its initial order for 10 ATR 42 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft into a mix of five ATR 42-600 and five ATR 72-600. Additionally, Abelo has expanded its fleet by firming up orders for three ATR 72-600.
This strategic decision, finalised in late 2024, underlines the confirmed interest from the regional aviation market for the 50-seater turboprop segment, where Abelo has historically demonstrated a strong presence and anticipates significant replacement opportunities, including among its current lessee base.
Further solidifying the enduring partnership between ATR and Abelo, the three additional ATR 72-600 come from the conversion of options agreed upon during the Dubai Airshow in 2023.
This continued collaboration is testament to the lessor's renewed confidence in the ATR programme and its commitment to leveraging the exceptional capabilities of ATR aircraft to support regional operators in meeting passenger demand while advancing low-emission aviation practices.
AIRBUS A321XLR WITH PRATT & WHITNEY ENGINE RECEIVES EASA TYPE CERTIFICATION
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter into service later this year.
Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said, "The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers' passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”
The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline's fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. This is all while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLR's new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered into service. So far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.
JAPAN SELECTS BEECHCRAFT T-6 TEXAN II INTEGRATED TRAINING SYSTEM TO MODERNIZE JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENCE FORCE PILOT TRAINING
Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced in coordination with the Kanematsu Group that the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) has been chosen to modernize pilot training for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF). Japan will join 14 other nations that have selected the T-6 Texan II, adding to a fleet of more than 1,000 T-6 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defence LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.
“We are proud to offer the Japan Air Self-Defense Force a proven and highly capable Integrated Training System that will meet their training needs for decades,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “This selection affirms the capabilities of our T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System to enable a well-equipped, prominent and highly skilled JASDF to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
The T-6 Texan II was selected after a highly competitive and thorough evaluation of training solutions offered by several bidders. Finalization of the contract is expected in 2025.
Japan Air Self Defence Force selects the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training System
The JASDF is modernizing its training program with an integrated solution featuring T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft, a comprehensive Ground Based Training System, training for instructor pilots and aircraft maintainers and long-term logistic and sustainment support. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II will replace the Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft that has been the JASDF's basic trainer for many years.
18 January 1982
The Thunderbirds Indian Springs Diamond Crash: The worst accident in U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team history involving show aircraft, when four Northrop T-38A Talons, Numbers 1-4, 68-8156, -8175, -8176 and -8184, crashed during pre-season training on Range 65 at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, Nevada (now Creech Air Force Base).
While practicing the four-plane line abreast loop, the formation impacted the ground at high speed, instantly killing all four pilots: Major Norm Lowry, leader, Captain Willie Mays, Captain Pete Peterson and Captain Mark Melancon. The cause of the crash was officially listed by the USAF as the result of a mechanical problem with the #1 aircraft's control stick actuator. During formation flight, the wing and slot pilots visually cue off the #1 lead aircraft, completely disregarding their positions in relation to the ground.
The crash of a team support Fairchild C-123 Provider on 10 October 1958 killed 19.
South Africa, near Groutville Airfield: An ultralight plane crashed under unknown circumstances near Groutville Airfield. The pilot was seriously injured and was taken to a hospital.
South Africa, Rand Airport (QRA/FAGM), Germiston, Gauteng: A de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth made a forced landing in the grass about 150m right around the beginning of runway 11 at Rand Airport (QRA/FAGM), Germiston, Gauteng. Both occupants were not injured and the aircraft received substantial damage.
USA, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, GA (ATL/KATL): Delta Air Lines flight DL876, a Boeing 717-200, had just taken off from runway 27R at ATL when the cabin reportedly filled with smoke. The flight made an immediate return to ATL for a safe landing on runway 27L, eleven minutes after take-off. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway and an emergency evacuation was carried out. The same aircraft, N942AT, had suffered a smoke incident just ten days earlier.
USA, Marana Regional Airport, AZ (AVW/KAVQ): Marana Regional Airport, AZ (AVW/KAVQ): A Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, callsign Aerosun 85, and a Lancair 360 were involved in a mid-air collision at Marana Regional Airport, AZ (AVW). Both aircraft were on final approach to runway 12 at AVW with the Lancair closing in on the Cessna. After landing, the Cessna appears to have initiated a take-off with the Lancair going around until both datapoints merge just southeast of runway 3/21. The Lancair crashed while the Cessna was able to continue and landed after completing a traffic pattern.
Brazil, Jardim Balneário Ana Clara, Duque de Caxias, RJ: A police AgustaWestland AW119Kx MkII Koala operated by Polícia Civil do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PCERJ) exchanged fire with persons on the ground in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. When attempting to evade the ground fire they collided with power lines and made an emergency landing. The three occupants were not injured and the helicopter received minor damage.
