The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) yesterday (07) carried out an incredible rescue operation of one of its own planes in the north of the country. The organization used an H-60 ​​Black Hawk helicopter to remove a Cessna Caravan plane from the Uraricoera River, in Roraima. 

The accident with the FAB Caravan, designated C-98 by the military, took place on 30/10 during a support mission to an indigenous community, approximately 260 kilometers from Boa Vista.

Shortly after takeoff, the C-98, registration number 2764, suffered a breakdown that forced the pilots to make an emergency landing in the river. The five crew members were rescued by Brazilian Army soldiers and taken for medical treatment at a local health unit.

As the FAB itself reported at the time of the accident, a Black Hawk helicopter from the Harpia Squadron (7º/8 GAv), from the Manaus Air Base, was deployed to the region on the day of the accident, as well as a team from the Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) to investigate the accident. 

The FAB 2764 rescue operation included divers from the Airborne Rescue Squadron, PARA-SAR, an elite unit of the Air Force. They connected a cable to the C-98, which was lifted and taken to the riverbank by the Black Hawk.

In addition to being an excellent demonstration of the FAB's capabilities, the rescue of 2764 also shows the versatility of the Black Hawk, one of the main helicopters in use by the military in the country.

The aircraft is capable of lifting loads of up to 4.1 tons with the external hook, while the C208 has an empty weight of 2100 kilograms. However, it is important to remember that the plane was at the bottom of the river, a complicating factor in the operation. 

With the aircraft recovered, CENIPA technicians can investigate the causes of the accident with the C-98. It is not yet known whether the plane will be restored to flying condition. 

The FAB acquired its first C-98s in 1987 to support activities at the Alcântara Launch Center, in Maranhão. Already recognized on the world market, the Cessna Caravan pleased the military, who bought more planes. In 1998 the first C208B Grand Caravan arrived, designated C-98A. Today there are 30 aircraft of this type in service with the FAB, operating from north to south on transport missions.