That shocking viral video that has been circulating for years: on a rural airstrip, a police vehicle accelerates alongside a small aircraft attempting to take off, deliberately clipping its wing to prevent it from leaving the ground. In the footage, officers can be heard in Portuguese shouting “Vou bater na asa, não atira não!” (“I’m going to hit the wing, don’t shoot!”), strongly confirming the Brazilian context.
Initial reports in Brazilian and international outlets described the case as a smuggling operation — most reliable sources mention contraband (often electronics) being transported, while later reposts labeled it as a “drug bust.” The earliest credible international write-up appeared on Police1.
Closer analysis of the footage confirms several key details: the language spoken is Portuguese, uniforms and vehicles match Brazil’s Federal Police, and the surrounding environment indicates a clandestine rural runway rather than an official airport. Many sources link the location to Ribeirão Preto / Pontal (São Paulo region) and the timeframe to around 2011. The exact date and cargo type remain unclear without access to original files or local press archives.
From a tactical perspective, the maneuver targeted the aircraft’s aerodynamics. Any sudden impact or weight on the wing during takeoff disrupts lift, making it impossible for the plane to leave the ground. While effective, this method carries significant risks to both the suspects and officers. Legal and safety aspects of the operation have been widely debated.
In summary, the most reliable information confirms that this was a Brazilian Federal Police operation conducted on a rural clandestine airstrip. Precise details such as the cargo, arrests, and date require further verification through original footage metadata and local archives.
Visual Analyses (Photos not included due to copyright restrictions)
1. Aircraft damage: Images show the small single-engine aircraft with visible wing damage after the collision, confirming the disruption of its takeoff.
2. Airstrip environment: Surroundings are rural, dirt-surfaced, with agricultural fields nearby — consistent with a clandestine runway.
3. Vehicle impact: Frames clearly show the police vehicle striking the wing, the decisive moment of the operation.
4. Police securing the scene: Officers disembarking and surrounding the aircraft with weapons drawn, securing the area after impact.
5. Uniforms and vehicles: Outfits and equipment visible in the footage match those of the Brazilian Federal Police, confirming institutional involvement.
Video of the incident is on our IG page.