The recent crash of a Voepass Linhas Aéreas flight near Vinhedo, Brazil, has raised concerns and questions about the aircraft involved. According to registration data from the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry, the plane in question was manufactured in 2010 and acquired by the airline in September 2022.
The aircraft, an ATR 72-500, is designed to accommodate 68 passengers but is equipped with 73 seats. It requires a minimum of two crew members to operate effectively, as indicated in the registration details.
Interestingly, the registration also reveals that the plane was 'denied operation for air taxi,' although the specific reasons for this decision and the timing of the denial remain unclear at this point.
ATR, the manufacturer of the aircraft, has acknowledged the incident and expressed its commitment to assisting with the investigation. In a statement, ATR stated, 'What we can say at this point in time is that ATR has been informed that an accident occurred in Vinhedo, Brazil involving an ATR 72-500. Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this event. The ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.'
As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the crash, more information is expected to emerge regarding the factors that may have contributed to the tragic event. The aviation community will be closely monitoring developments to ensure that any necessary safety measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.