A tragic plane crash occurred on Friday when an ATR-72 turboprop plane operated by regional carrier Voepass crashed in a residential area near São Paulo, Brazil, resulting in the death of all 62 passengers aboard. The plane was en route from Cascavel, Paraná, to São Paulo when it lost radar contact and stopped responding to calls at around 1:21 p.m., shortly before crashing in Vinhedo, about 80 kilometers northwest of São Paulo.
Investigation Details:
Investigators have recovered the plane’s black box, which contains crucial voice recordings and flight data. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, according to the head of Brazil’s aviation accident investigation center, Cenipa.
Possible Causes:
Weather Conditions:
Some experts speculate that ice buildup may have caused the crash. Videos from the crash suggest that the plane was spiraling in an unusual motion, which could indicate that ice had accumulated on the aircraft. Voepass mentioned that ice was predicted at the altitudes in which the plane was flying, but it was believed to be within acceptable levels. The ATR-72 model has a history of issues with icing, as seen in a 1994 crash in Indiana, USA.
Engine Failure:
Another possible cause could be an engine failure on one side of the plane, which, if not managed properly by the crew, could lead to a downward rotation and loss of control. John Hansman, an MIT professor, reviewed crash footage and suggested that the crash may not have been caused by weather alone but could involve engine malfunction.
Human Error:
As with many air crashes, experts also consider the possibility of human error contributing to the incident. Multiple points of failure, including ice, engine issues, or crew mismanagement, might have played a role in this tragedy.