Oliver Tree Helicopter Crash Report Reveals Both Helicopters Were Flying the Same Air Route

The helicopter crash that killed Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi occurred after two aircraft were flying along the same air route and following the same flight path, according to a preliminary report released by Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA).

The mid-air collision took place on June 14 over Rio de Janeiro's Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, killing all six people on board the two helicopters. The crash occurred between the Tachas and Piabas reporting points along the REH Grota helicopter route.

The investigation states that helicopter PP-MAC, which was carrying Oliver Tree and Gaspi, was not detected by the Brazilian Airspace Control System (SISCEAB) radar at any point during its flight.

The second helicopter, PR-DJJ, was tracked by radar from takeoff until moments before the collision. Its last recorded position showed it flying at approximately 800 feet (244 meters) at a speed of 108 knots (200 km/h / 124 mph).

The report also notes that neither helicopter was equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly known as "black boxes." According to CENIPA, the aircraft were not required by regulations to carry those devices.

Investigators also found that weather conditions were favorable for visual flight operations. A weather briefing from Jacarepaguá Airport reported good visibility, light winds, and no conditions that would have affected the safe operation of either helicopter.