On Friday, a regional turboprop plane operated by Voepass crashed near São Paulo, Brazil, tragically killing all 61 people on board. The São Paulo Plane Crash craft , an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was en route to São Paulo’s international airport in Guarulhos when it went down in the city of Vinhedo.
The crash marks one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history and has left authorities scrambling to determine the exact cause.
The Aircraft’s Final Moments
Eyewitness footage captured the horrifying last moments of the plane, showing it spiraling out of control and plunging vertically to the ground.
The crash occurred inside a gated community, but fortunately, no one on the ground was injured. The aircraft’s fuselage was obliterated and consumed by fire, leaving little hope for any survivors.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Rescue workers braved the winter chill and drizzling rain to recover the first bodies from the crash site.
Authorities have called on victims’ family members to provide medical and dental records to aid in the identification process. Blood tests are also being conducted to help with identification.
Initial Theories and Expert Opinions
While the exact cause of the São Paulo plane crash remains unknown, initial reports suggest that icing could have played a role. A report from Globo’s meteorological center confirmed the possibility of ice formation in the Vinhedo region.
However, Brazilian aviation expert Lito Sousa cautioned against jumping to conclusions based solely on meteorological conditions.
The Role of the Black Box
The plane’s black box has been recovered and is expected to provide crucial data to investigators.
Lt. Col. Carlos Henrique Baldi of the Brazilian Air Force emphasized that it is too early to confirm whether icing caused the crash, noting that the ATR 72 is certified to fly in severe icing conditions in various countries.
Previous ATR 72 Crashes
This crash is the deadliest since January 2023 when a Yeti Airlines ATR 72 crashed in Nepal, killing 72 people.
Over the years, various models of the ATR 72 have been involved in incidents that resulted in 470 deaths. The aircraft’s history has led to increased scrutiny of its safety record.
Comparisons to Past Incidents
Experts have drawn comparisons to the 1994 crash of an American Eagle ATR 72-200, which was caused by ice buildup. In that incident, the plane rolled and dove into the ground, killing all 68 people on board.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration later issued operating procedures for ATRs in icing conditions.
Statements from Authorities and Officials
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the nation, expressing his condolences and calling for a minute of silence for the victims.
He later declared three days of mourning. Meanwhile, Voepass CEO Eduardo Busch assured the public that the airline would cooperate fully with investigators.
The Investigation Process
Brazil’s Federal Police and the Brazilian Air Force’s aviation accidents agency, CENIPA, have both launched investigations into the São Paulo plane crash crash.
Specialists in plane crashes and disaster victim identification have been dispatched to the scene to assist with the investigation and recovery efforts.
What Comes Next?
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, the focus remains on recovering and identifying the victims. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Supporting the Victims’ Families
Voepass has been actively supporting the São Paulo plane crash victims’ families, providing hotels, psychologists, and other resources to help them cope with the tragedy. The airline has also pledged to keep the public informed as more details become available.
The tragic crash near São Paulo has left a deep impact on the nation and the aviation community. As investigations continue, the hope is that the cause of the crash will be determined, providing closure for the victims’ families and helping to improve aviation safety worldwide.
