Brazil's lower house of Congress has established a committee to monitor investigations into a recent aviation disaster. The incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, involved an ATR 72-500 aircraft operated by Voepass, a Brazilian regional carrier. The plane, en route from Cascavel to São Paulo's Guarulhos airport, crashed in Vinhedo, resulting in the loss of all 62 individuals on board.
The 37-member committee, authorized by Lower House Speaker Arthur Lira, aims to track the progress of the investigation conducted by the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA). This government body is responsible for investigating aviation accidents in Brazil and is expected to release a preliminary report on September 6, 2024.
Congressman Nelsinho Padovani, tasked with compiling the committee's final report, emphasized the group's objective: "Our intention is not to carry out a witch hunt. We want to propose measures so it does not happen again." This approach aligns with the committee's focus on prevention rather than assigning blame.
The committee plans to invite key figures from the aviation industry to provide insights. These include Jose Luiz Felicio Filho, President of Voepass; Marcelo Moreno, head of CENIPA; and Tiago Sousa Pereira, who leads Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Additionally, Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines, Latin America's largest carrier, has been invited due to the codeshare agreement between LATAM and Voepass.
Representatives from ATR, the aircraft manufacturer, are also expected to participate. ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, produces the ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop designed for short-haul regional flights. The aircraft type has been involved in several incidents, some related to icing conditions, which experts have cited as a potential factor in this crash.
The committee's investigation will extend beyond hearings. Members plan to visit Voepass' maintenance hub in São Paulo state and examine the codeshare agreement between Voepass and LATAM. This comprehensive approach aims to address all aspects of the incident and its broader implications for aviation safety.
Padovani anticipates that hearings will continue until December 2024, with the final report expected by February 2025. This timeline allows for thorough examination of all relevant factors and the development of well-considered recommendations to enhance aviation safety in Brazil.
As the investigation unfolds, it's crucial to remember that the ATR 72, first flown in 1988, has generally maintained a good safety record. However, this incident underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and continuous improvement in aviation safety practices, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
"We continue to follow the situation carefully and our teams are on location with French teams to support the Brazilian investigation."
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and ongoing scrutiny in the aviation industry. The committee's work may lead to significant improvements in Brazilian aviation safety, potentially influencing practices beyond national borders.