Preliminary Report on Voepass Airliner Crash Points to Icing Issues

A preliminary report by Brazil's Cenipa into the August crash of a Voepass ATR aircraft reveals that icing detectors were activated multiple times. The aircraft crashed on August 9, killing all 61 on board. The report indicates possible failure of the de-icing system, though investigations will continue for over a year.

Brazil's Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) announced on Friday that a preliminary investigation into the August crash of a Voepass airliner indicates that icing detectors were activated multiple times on the ATR aircraft.

A Cenipa official said that the aircraft's airframe icing button was turned on at least three times during the flight, and cockpit recordings revealed the copilot remarked on significant icing. The ATR-72, operated by local carrier Voepass, lost control and crashed on August 9, resulting in the death of all 61 passengers.

Cenipa noted that the copilot's comment suggests a potential failure in the plane's de-icing system, although this remains unconfirmed. The preliminary report confirmed the pilots repeatedly toggled the de-icing system. The investigation into the crash is expected to extend over a year to determine clear causes.

(With inputs from agencies.)