Recent developments in the detection of gaseous hydrocarbons (HCs) through remote sensing are focused on the characterization of methane (CH4). Basically, there is no research related to remote sensing of other heavier HC gases (ethane: C2H6, propane: C3H8, butane: C4H10), whether derived from natural seeps or from leaks at various stages of production, transportation and storage of petroleum resources. Just as methane; ethane, propane and butane have typical spectral signatures in the longwave infrared region (7.6-13.5 mu m), which potentiates their detection by means of airborne hyperspectral sensors (nadir or oblique measurements) or by fixed, ground-based hyperspectral and ultraspectral sensors (horizontal/profile measurements). In this context, the aim of this work is to evaluate the detection limits of the Spatially-Enhanced Broadband Array Spectrograph System (SEBASS) for the identification of ethane, propane and butane in gaseous emissions under controlled leaks. Due to the low content of heavy HCs (C2-C4) in the tested mixtures, they were only identified in plumes derived from sources with emission rates equal to or greater than 1000 standard cubic feet per hour (scf/h). Despite the complex mixture comprised in the plume, the spectral absorption features of each HC allowed their individualization in the SEBASS imagery. The methodology introduced here demonstrates that airborne hyperspectral thermal sensors can identify the different types of HC gases composing the plume, strengthening the possibilities for the evaluation of gas leaks from petroleum installations and natural seeps, assisting in exploration campaigns and diminishing the risk for technological accidents in industrial plants.