A VoePass airline plane carrying 62 people crashed in a residential neighborhood in Vinhedo, São Paulo state, Brazil, on August 9, 2024, leaving no survivors. The ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop was en route from Cascavel, Paraná to Guarulhos International Airport when it suddenly descended and crashed in the Capela neighborhood, igniting a massive fire.
The plane was initially reported to have 61 people on board, but the airline later confirmed 62 passengers after discovering an unlisted individual. The crash, which occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time, destroyed the aircraft fuselage, though residents reported no injuries on the ground.
Ana Lucia, who lives close to the crash site, recalled the frightening moment, expressing her fear that the plane might crash into their yard. She noted the relief that, fortunately, no locals were harmed.
The Brazilian Air Force recovered the plane’s black box, which will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash. Early reports indicate severe icing conditions may have contributed to the accident. Aviation experts, including former pilot Arthur Rosenberg, suggested that engine failure or a stall might have played a role, noting, “The sound tells me there was something wrong with one or both engines.”
French experts from the civil aviation authority have joined the investigation to assist with analyzing the black box data and identifying any contributing factors. The ATR 72-500, although reliable for short-haul flights, has a history of incidents involving severe icing, which is now a primary focus of the ongoing investigation.
Governor Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas of São Paulo declared three days of mourning for the victims. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also requested a minute of silence at an event in southern Brazil in memory of those who perished.
Rescue teams have retrieved the remains of all 62 victims, who included 34 males and 28 females. Forensic experts use medical and dental records to identify the bodies. The pilot, Danilo Santos Romano, 35, and the co-pilot, Humberto de Campos Alencar e Silva, 61, were among the first to be identified.
One fortunate passenger, Adriano Assis, narrowly escaped the disaster due to a mix-up with his airline booking. Believing he was flying with LATAM Airlines, Assis arrived late at the correct gate and argued with the gate agent when he was denied boarding. After hearing about the crash, he returned to the airport to thank the agent, realizing that missing the flight had saved his life.
Also onboard were a father and his three-year-old daughter, and several doctors going to a seminar, including two oncology residents from a cancer hospital.
The crash marks the deadliest airline disaster involving the ATR 72-500 model since January 2023. In that earlier incident, a Yeti Airlines plane of the same model crashed in Nepal, claiming 72 lives. Both crashes have intensified concerns regarding the safety of the ATR 72-500, particularly under challenging weather conditions such as severe icing.
Brazilian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to explain the crash’s circumstances. The final report, which will provide answers to the families and the public, is expected to be released within 30 days.
