Plane towing banner crashes into sea in Rio de Janeiro, pilot dies

An ultralight Cessna 170A plane towing an advertising banner crashed into the sea near Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, killing the pilot, the Associated Press reports, citing local authorities.

The body has been sent for identification, and the Brazilian Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to G1, the pilot was 40 years old and it was his first working day with the company Visual Propaganda Area.

The company owner expressed condolences over the tragedy, emphasising that the aircraft had undergone all required maintenance and held valid certifications.

The Brazilian air force said that it opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. The aircraft was a Cessna 170A owned by an advertising company.

By Khagan Isayev