ATR-72 Crash in Brazil: 62 Lives Lost, Investigators Probe Causes
An ATR-72 turboprop plane crashed near São Paulo, Brazil, resulting in 62 fatalities. Investigators are examining potential causes, including icing and engine failure, as they analyze the recovered black box.
On August 9, 2024, a tragic incident occurred near São Paulo, Brazil, when an ATR-72 turboprop plane operated by regional carrier Voepass crashed in a residential area, claiming the lives of all 62 passengers on board. The aircraft, designed for short-haul regional flights, was en route from Cascavel to São Paulo when it met with disaster.
The ATR-72, a twin-engine turboprop airliner developed by the French-Italian manufacturer ATR, has been in service since 1989. With a capacity to carry up to 78 passengers and a maximum cruise speed of 510 km/h, it has been a popular choice for regional airlines worldwide. Over 1,000 ATR-72 aircraft have been delivered globally, highlighting its widespread use in the aviation industry.
According to Brazil's air force, the plane was flying normally until 13:21 local time when it ceased responding to calls. Radar contact was lost at 13:22, and the crash occurred around 13:30 in Vinhedo, approximately 80 km northwest of São Paulo. Eyewitness videos show the aircraft spiraling in an unusual circling motion before impact, despite apparently clear skies.
Investigators from Brazil's aviation accident investigation center, Cenipa, have recovered the plane's black box containing voice recordings and flight data. A preliminary report is expected by September 8, 2024, providing crucial insights into the cause of the crash.
Aviation experts are considering various factors that could have contributed to the accident. Anthony Brickhouse, a U.S. aviation safety expert, stated that investigators would examine weather conditions and assess the functionality of the engines and controls. The possibility of ice buildup on the plane has been raised, with Celso Faria de Souza, a Brazilian aviation engineer and crash investigator, expressing strong suspicion that icing caused the accident based on video analysis.
The ATR-72 has a history of icing-related incidents. In 1994, 30 years ago, a crash in Indiana, USA, resulted in 68 fatalities when ice accumulation prevented the plane from banking properly. This incident led ATR to improve its de-icing system. More recently, in 2016, an ATR-72 in Norway experienced icing issues, but the pilot managed to regain control.
However, not all experts agree on icing as the primary cause. John Hansman, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, suggested that engine failure on one side, possibly mismanaged by the crew, could have led to the observed rotation downward.
Robert A. Clifford, a lawyer with experience in aviation accidents, emphasized that crashes often result from multiple factors, which could include ice, engine failure, or human error.
As the investigation continues, it's important to note that the ATR-72 typically cruises at altitudes between 17,000 and 20,000 feet, equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW124B engines and six-blade propellers. Its maximum takeoff weight is 23,000 kg, and it has a range of 1,370 km with maximum payload.
The aviation community awaits the preliminary report, hoping it will shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic event and potentially lead to improved safety measures for the ATR-72 and similar aircraft in the future.
