Voepass crash investigation blames pilots, airline and ANAC

A partial investigation report from Brazil's Centre for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) concluded that the August 9, 2024 crash of a Voepass ATR‑72‑500 in Vinhedo, São Paulo, which killed all 62 people on board, resulted from a combination of pilot error, company safety‑culture shortcomings and regulatory failings.

The report says the crew were distracted by informal conversations during critical phases and ignored multiple low‑speed and performance‑degradation warnings linked to severe icing. Voepass had previously tolerated safety deviations and failed to act on known problems with the aircraft’s de‑icing system. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) did not take corrective actions despite earlier inspections that highlighted maintenance and technical standard gaps.

The airline’s operating licence was later suspended by ANAC, and a parallel Federal Police inquiry is expected to indict officials with decision‑making authority over the aircraft’s operation. The final Cenipa report will be presented to victims’ families before public release.