The passenger aircraft that crashed in Vinhedo, Brazil, on Friday, August 9, killing 61 people, had passed an inspection just a day before the tragic incident, according to Voepass airline’s Chief Operations Officer, Marcel Moura. Speaking at a press conference, Moura confirmed that the aircraft had undergone a routine inspection on Thursday, and that no technical issues were identified. “The previous night, it [the plane] underwent a routine inspection, without any kind of technical problem [identified] that would affect flying,” Moura stated.
Investigation underway
Moura emphasized that all possibilities are being considered as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash. “They (officials) have the characteristics of the flight, they have more sensitivity to the risk situation. No hypothesis has been discarded at this time,” Moura added.
“We are ready, CENIPA (Center of Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautic Accidents) is already here, CENIPA is the body responsible for this investigation, and we are working side by side with them to provide all the information, to actively participate in the ongoing investigation,” he further said.
Details of the aircraft crash
The aircraft, an ATR-72, spiraled into what experts describe as a flat spin before crashing in a residential neighborhood near São Paulo, killing all 61 people on board. The flight, operated by Voepass, had taken off from Cascavel, in Paraná State, and was en route to São Paulo’s international airport when it went down at approximately 1:30 p.m. in Vinhedo.
A video circulating on social media captured the aircraft spinning out of control before disappearing behind a cluster of trees, followed by a large plume of black smoke. Local authorities in Valinhos, near Vinhedo, reported that a home in a condominium complex was damaged when the plane crashed into its backyard, though fortunately, no residents were injured.
Speculation and ongoing investigation
While some aviation experts have speculated that the crash may have been caused by ice accumulation on the plane or engine failure, investigators have cautioned that it is too early to draw any conclusions. During the press conference, Moura addressed the possibility of icy conditions contributing to the crash. “Today ice was predicted (at the altitudes the plane was flying at), but within the acceptable range. But we are looking at a cold front. Tomorrow we’ll have low temperatures. There is a big difference between today’s heat and the temperature expected for tomorrow, where there will be a more pronounced ice formation. But as an airline, even for take-off, we are evaluating where it can fly within its restrictions,” he said.
“We have airline companies that are providing flights from Cascavel to Sao Paulo (for relatives). The bodies will be relocated from Vinhedo to Sao Paulo. In Sao Paulo there is more infrastructure to undertake the necessary exams, dental exams, DNA exams, we have more capabilities there,” Moura further said.
Moura also mentioned that Voepass is coordinating with other airlines to provide flights from Cascavel to São Paulo for the relatives of the victims. “The bodies will be relocated from Vinhedo to São Paulo. In São Paulo, there is more infrastructure to undertake the necessary exams—dental exams, DNA exams—we have more capabilities there,” he said. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
