A Cessna C182P Skylane aircraft, registration PT-INM, was intercepted and targeted by A-29 Super Tucano aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force after entering Brazilian airspace without authorization, in northern Mato Grosso, around 19 pm on Tuesday (00). More than 07 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride were on board the plane.
The aircraft had no flight plan and was detected entering Brazilian airspace via Bolivia. An E-99 early warning aircraft from the Guardian Squadron (2nd/6th GAv) and A-29 Super Tucano air defense aircraft from the Flecha (3rd/3rd GAv) and Grifo (2nd/3rd GAv) squadrons were employed to monitor and intercept the plane.
The air defense pilots followed the protocol for policing measures in Brazilian airspace, questioning the pilot of the aircraft, but did not receive a response. At that time, the aircraft was classified as suspicious, as provided for in Decree 5.144, of July 16, 2004.
Subsequently, the FAB pilots ordered the change of route and the mandatory landing at a specific aerodrome, but the pilot of the intercepted plane did not comply. It was then necessary for the air defense to command the warning shot. Still without return, the aircraft was considered hostile, and arrest shooting procedures were carried out.
In the warning shot, the FAB pilot shoots alongside the intercepted aircraft, with the aim of persuading the pilot to obey air defense orders. In the arrest shot, the intercepted aircraft is targeted by air defense planes, preventing the continuation of the flight of the hostile aircraft.
After the execution of the arrest shot, the aircraft made a forced landing in the north of the state of Mato Grosso. From then on, the Federal Police took over the Soil Control Measures (MCS). The pilot fled before the arrival of the police and found more than 296 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride on the aircraft.
According to the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), the radars identified the aircraft entering Brazilian airspace. The plane, without with the control, failed to comply with all the policing measures carried out, showing itself to be hostile.
The action forms part of Operation Ostium to curb cross-border illicit acts, in which the Brazilian Air Force and the Federal Police work together, and had the of the Special Border Group (GEFRON)/MT, the Integrated Air Operations Center (CIOPAER)/MT and the Military Police from the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.
A FAB highlighted that the action, carried out precisely on the date of Brazil's Independence, shows that the Brazilian Air Defense System operates permanently, 24 hours a day, to guarantee the country's sovereignty.
