Mission-Related 'Get-There-Itis' in Degraded Visual Environment

Mission-Related 'Get-There-Itis' in DVE

Do you remember the tragic helicopter accident that occurred in Brazil in December 2016 and was widely reported in 2017, where a bride wanted to surprise her fiancé by arriving at their wedding by helicopter?

Sadly, the aircraft crashed in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) less than two miles from the wedding site. Everyone on board, including the pilot, the bride, her brother, and a photographer who was six months pregnant, lost their lives.

Screenshot from the EHEST Video Degraded Visual Environment and Loss of Control

The original footage was removed from YouTube, possibly at the request of the families. However, it has been republished in various edited versions, such as 4 lose their lives in tragic helicopter crash in Brazil as pilot flies into IMC conditions, published by Randy Mains in 2017, and Her helicopter crashed just before arriving at her wedding, published by Positive in 2022, both still available on YouTube.

This shocking accident footage, filmed live from inside the helicopter cockpit, illustrates a clear case of mission-related 'get-there-itis' in a Degraded Visual Environment (DVE).

As the scenario unfolds, every viewer comes to understand that occupants are going to die... and tragically, they did, as the pilot remains committed to reach the wedding site, despite the deteriorating conditions.

Disclaimer

The accident videos mentioned, which you may choose to search for on Google, are referenced strictly for educational and safety promotion purposes.
Viewer discretion is advised.
The intent is not to sensationalise tragedy, but to foster awareness, reflection, and learning within the aviation safety community.
Please ensure respectful and responsible use of this material in all contexts.

References for further reading

EHEST Video Degraded Visual Environment and Loss of Control
UIMC - Before Take-Off | EASA Community
UIMC - After Take Off | EASA Community
VAI Land & LIVE Program - Vertical Aviation International
Helicopter Airmanship | EASA Community
Personal Minimums | EASA Community
Coping with Weather - VFR2IMC | EASA Community
Weather Threats for VMC Flights | EASA Community
Threat and Error Management (TEM) for Helicopter Operations | EASA Community
56 Seconds to Live – USHST