In a somber ceremony today, Danilo Santos Romano, the pilot of the aircraft that crashed in Brazil 10 days ago, was laid to rest in São Paulo. Romano, 35, became the first of the 62 victims to be buried as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
The funeral procession moved through Penha, a working-class district in São Paulo's eastern zone. Local shopkeepers lined the streets, applauding as the hearse passed, paying tribute to a man described as humble and full of life. This poignant scene unfolded beneath the apartment Romano shared with his wife, highlighting the personal impact of the tragedy on the community.
The crash, which occurred on August 2, 2024, claimed the lives of 58 passengers and four crew members. The aircraft, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was en route to Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil's busiest airport, when it plummeted from the sky near Vinhedo, a municipality known for its wine production.
While the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined, experts have suggested severe icing on the wings as a potential factor. However, Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho reported that neither Romano nor his copilot made emergency calls or reported adverse weather conditions before the crash.
Romano had recently completed his first year as a commander for Voepass, the local airline operating the flight. He had accumulated 5,202 flight hours with the company since joining as a copilot in November 2022. The ATR aircraft, widely used by regional airlines worldwide, was the only type in Voepass's fleet.
The pilot's widow, Thalita Machado, expressed gratitude to various individuals and organizations in a letter, including Romano's former classmates and the aviation workers' union. She specifically thanked his flight partner, Humberto de Campos Alencar e Silva, stating, "We are sure they did everything possible and that they are heroes."
As the investigation progresses, authorities have recovered both "black boxes" – crucial components for determining the cause of the accident. The Air Force's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Air Accidents (CENIPA) has begun analyzing the flight data and cockpit audio at their laboratory in Brasilia, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
Meanwhile, forensic experts are working diligently to identify the victims' remains. As of this evening, 17 bodies have been identified, with eight returned to their families. The process involves comparing medical records, X-rays, and dental records to ensure accurate identification.
In Cascavel, the city from which the doomed flight departed, families anxiously await the return of their loved ones' remains. The city's mayor, Leonaldo Paranhos, has offered a conference center for a potential collective wake, demonstrating the community's solidarity in the face of this tragedy.
As Brazil grapples with one of its worst aviation disasters in recent years, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in air travel, even in one of the world's largest domestic air markets. The ongoing investigation will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety of Brazil's skies.
"He had lived abroad, worked for foreign companies, but was always humble. We used to chat about soccer, he really wanted to have a child to take to the stadium one day. Danilo was full of life."