Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – On December 27, 2025, a red helicopter flew unusually low over Copacabana Beach near the Copacabana Palace hotel, causing strong downdrafts that scattered sand and startled beachgoers.

The helicopter appeared to attempt a landing on the sand but aborted the maneuver and climbed away safely. No injuries were reported, though vendors’ items were blown around and sunbathers reacted to the sudden turbulence.

This incident occurred one day before a separate fatal ultralight plane crash off the same beach on December 28, which killed the pilot. There is no connection between the events, though both involved low-flying aircraft near crowded areas during the busy pre-New Year’s period.

Witnesses described the helicopter’s actions as a “go-around” after a failed landing attempt near the hotel and New Year’s Eve stage area. Low helicopter flights over Rio’s beaches are common, but this one passed unusually close to people.

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