Brazil Suspends Voepass Operations: The Impact of a Fatal Crash
The National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (Anac) has suspended the operations of Voepass Airlines due to safety concerns. This decision comes seven months after the tragic accident in São Paulo that resulted in 62 fatalities. The suspension is a precautionary measure and will remain in effect until the company demonstrates that it has addressed the irregularities identified.
Reasons for the Suspension
Following the accident on August 9, 2024, in Vinhedo, Anac initiated a thorough investigation into the airline. In October, corrective measures were imposed, including:
- Increasing the time aircraft spend on the ground for maintenance.
- Changing the company’s management.
- Implementing an action plan to improve safety.
→ EASA and ANAC Brazil Sign MOU to Boost Safety and Sustainability
However, in February 2025, new audits revealed that these requirements had not been met and that there had been a deterioration in the airline’s safety management. Recurring issues that were previously thought to have been resolved were also identified. Given this situation, Anac determined that Voepass’s internal processes were inadequate to manage operational risks.
Details of the Voepass Crash
The accident involved a twin-engine ATR-72-500 aircraft operating on the route between Cascavel and São Paulo. The plane entered a spin, rotating five times around its axis before crashing into a residential condominium. All 58 passengers and 4 crew members on board died upon impact.
The preliminary report from Brazilian authorities indicated that the aircraft had flown for an hour under severe ice accumulation conditions on the fuselage. Minutes before the accident, the pilots reported issues with the ice prevention system, which may have contributed to the loss of control.
Current Situation of Voepass
The airline, which currently operates six aircraft and serves 15 locations, faces an uncertain future. The suspension imposed by Anac will only be lifted once the company demonstrates compliance with the required safety standards. Meanwhile, the loss of confidence in its internal processes casts doubt on the continuity of its operations.
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