Authorities Uncover Cockpit Voice Recorder Transcript
In the days following a devastating plane crash that resulted in the loss of 62 lives, Brazilian authorities have revealed the chilling last words of the pilot, as transcribed from the cockpit voice recorder.
According to the newly uncovered transcript, the pilot and copilot detected a sharp drop in altitude roughly one minute before the tragic crash. Local news outlet Globo reported on Wednesday that one of the pilots in control of the aircraft asked, “What is going on?” and emphasized that the plane needed more power to stabilize.
Crash details and casualty update
The plane, operated by Brazilian airline Voepass, plummeted and spiraled uncontrollably before crashing near several homes. Initially, Voepass reported that the plane was carrying 57 passengers and four crew members. However, the airline confirmed on Saturday that there was an additional unaccounted-for passenger, raising the total number of casualties to 62.
Authorities are currently investigating how this extra passenger boarded the flight, whether they were accidentally left off the manifest or boarded without authorization.
Investigative focus and potential causes
Investigators are examining weather conditions and assessing the plane’s engine and control functions to determine the cause of the crash. Metsul, a Brazilian meteorological company, reported severe icing conditions in São Paulo state at the time of the incident. Local media cited experts who suggested that this could have been a contributing factor, although definitive conclusions will await the investigation’s completion.
Expert opinions and historical context
Celso Faria de Souza, a Brazilian aviation engineer, believes that ice build-up likely played a significant role in the accident, based on video evidence. The ATR-72 aircraft, the model involved in the crash, has a history of icing problems. A similar issue led to a fatal crash in Indiana in 1994, prompting ATR to improve its de-icing system. In 2016, an ATR-72 experienced ice accumulation in Norway, but the pilot managed to regain control.
As of now, there is no timeline for the completion of the investigation. Authorities continue to work diligently to uncover the exact causes behind this tragic event, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future.
