BR-MEA3 Golfier Balloons G32-13000 Aviation Accident 2025-21-06
FATAL ACCIDENT (8) - Sobrevoar owned Golfier Balloons G32-13000, BR-MEA3, about 3 miles NE of Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, June 21, 2025.
Interactive Map
Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29°9'42.00"S, 49°54'50.58"W | 8 | 13 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golfier Balloons G32-13000 | Sobrevoar | BR-MEA3 | 67 | unkn. |
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Videos
🚨 TRAGÉDIA
Um balão com 22 pessoas acabou de cair aqui em SC 😱😱
Ainda não divulgaram o número de vítimas fatais pic.twitter.com/Fj4pkvdn95— Enfermeiro do BRICS 🇧🇷 🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 (@enf_intensiva) June 21, 2025
ASX Accident Report
On the morning of June 21, 2025, a Golfier Balloons G32-13000 hot air balloon operated by the tourism company Sobrevoar experienced a catastrophic in-flight fire and crash near Praia Grande, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The balloon, registered as BR-MEA3 and serial number 67, was conducting a sightseeing flight with 21 occupants aboard. The aircraft took off around 5:30 a.m. as part of a standard package that included pre-flight briefings, breakfast, and a 45-minute aerial tour of the region’s canyons. The aircraft, equipped with a six-meter basket and advertised to reach altitudes of up to 1,000 meters, was the largest balloon in the area and had previously been featured at ballooning festivals.
The incident unfolded around 8:18 a.m. during the flight’s en route phase. According to survivor and pilot accounts, a fire initiated within the basket, likely due to a malfunction or accidental discharge involving one of the onboard burners (maçaricos). Eyewitnesses and video footage confirmed that the balloon caught fire mid-air, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures. Passengers were instructed to jump from the gondola once it neared the ground. While some passengers were able to escape, the balloon, having lost weight, rose again with remaining occupants still aboard before descending rapidly and crashing to the ground.
Emergency responders from the Santa Catarina Military Fire Department, along with the Arcanjo-01 aerial unit and ground teams from Sombrio, Araranguá, and Criciúma, were dispatched promptly. Upon arrival, they discovered the basket fully engulfed in flames near the PRG-411 road, close to the Nossa Senhora de Fátima church. Four bodies were located adjacent to the structure, showing signs of thermal damage. Over the following hours, the search radius was expanded. Additional victims were found at distances of up to 1,000 meters from the wreckage, indicating a widespread impact area and significant in-flight disruption.
A total of eight fatalities were confirmed—four from fire-related trauma within the basket and four others from injuries sustained during the fall. Thirteen individuals survived the incident, many having exited the basket during the initial descent. The identities of the deceased were confirmed by the Civil Police, with most being residents of Santa Catarina, alongside others from São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. Among the victims were a physician, a figure skating coach, a mother and daughter, and other civilians participating in the scenic tour.
The balloon had departed with all standard procedures reportedly in place and weather conditions favorable. The aircraft was reportedly certified and operated under standard tourism regulations. The ride, costing approximately R$550 per passenger, was popular among tourists seeking panoramic views of the region known as the “Brazilian Cappadocia.” The pilot’s decision to order passengers to jump, though not aligned with standard aviation guidance, may have contributed to the survival of the majority onboard, albeit under severe duress.
The Civil Police and the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) are jointly investigating the accident. Preliminary assessments have focused on the integrity of the balloon’s burner system, fuel management practices, and emergency response protocols. As of now, no mechanical inspections or operator violations prior to the flight have been publicly disclosed. Investigators are expected to analyze material remains, pilot testimony, and maintenance logs to determine the precise chain of failure. The incident has reignited discussions on the regulatory oversight of adventure tourism operations in Brazil.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tracking and Social Media
- Flight Tracking: flightradar24, FlightAware, ADS-B Exchange, AirNav Radar
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube
Sources and References
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