Career
On 15 November 1924, he disappeared while flying over the English Channel, along with his co-pilot, Mechanical Corporal José Correia, due to fog and his shortening eyesight (which never kept him from flying). Although some float remains from his seaplane had been found four days later, the bodies were never foundation A statue dedicated to them is located in Lisbon.
Another statue is located in his hometown, Celorico da Beira.
He was the granduncle of Portuguese politicians Miguel Portas and Paulo Portas.