A preliminary report into the fatal Voepass ATR 72-500 crash near Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been released by the country’s Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA).
Although the definite cause of the crash has not yet been determined, the report confirmed ice buildup on the plane and that the ice detectors were activated before the crash.
Based on voice recordings and data recovered from the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), the aircraft’s ice detector system was activated and deactivated at least eight times. The report also noted that the flight’s co-pilot had been speaking to a Voepass operational dispatcher on ground.
The last recorded voice memo came from the co-pilot, referred to as Second in Command in the report, who said there was “a lot of ice”. It was recorded two minutes before control of the aircraft was lost.
Investigators said the comment could be an indication that the aircraft’s de-icing system failed to work but noted this could not be confirmed with certainty at this stage.
According to CENIPA, investigations into flight 2Z 2283 might last more than a year, a report from CNN said.
Franco-Italian planemaker ATR released a statement regarding the preliminary findings of the crash, saying it “re-affirms its full support to all the authorities involved”.
The ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, operated by the Brazilian airline Voepass, was en route to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) from Regional West Airport (CAC) in Cascavel when it crashed 78 kilometers (49 miles) north of the city on August 9, 2024. The flight carried 58 passengers and four crew members.
The following day, on August 10, 2024, authorities recovered the remains of all 62 bodies from the crash site.