A preliminary investigation into the August crash of a Voepass airliner in Brazil has revealed signs of ice accumulation on the aircraft, although no definitive cause has been established, according to the Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa).
The report indicates that icing detectors were activated during the flight, and cockpit recordings revealed the copilot’s concern about “a lot of icing.” Cenipa officials suggested that this could imply a potential failure of the plane’s de-icing system, but they emphasized that further confirmation is needed.
It is said by the spokesperson while icing may have contributed to the accident, caution is warranted as crashes typically result from a combination of factors.
The ATR-72 aircraft lost control and crashed on August 9, resulting in the deaths of all 62 individuals on board.
Cenipa has stated that the investigation could extend beyond a year. U.S. aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse remarked that the findings align with icing-related issues, yet he cautioned that accidents rarely stem from a single cause.
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Despite alerts indicating a loss of speed, the crew did not declare an emergency prior to the aircraft’s descent. Cenipa officials noted that it remains unclear how a certified aircraft lost control in severe icing conditions.
Voepass reaffirmed that both the aircraft and its pilots met all certification requirements and pledged to continue cooperating with the investigation.
