Kathmandu— Brazil’s federal police have formally accused 16 current and former employees of Voepass airline over actions contributing to a deadly plane crash that killed all 62 people on board in August 2024. The accident occurred when an ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop en route from Cascavel, Parana, to Guarulhos International Airport crashed into the back yard of a gated condominium near Vinhedo, outside Sao Paulo.

Allegations Against Voepass Employees

The accused include Jose Luiz Felicio Filho, owner and president of Voepass. Federal police investigator Andre Ribeiro stated that the aircraft was irregularly cleared for departure into known severe icing conditions despite experiencing de-icing system failures on three prior flights that same day. The data recorders showed repeated failures or manual cycling of the de-icing system during 136 flights.

Investigation Findings

The federal police concluded after a two-year investigation that deliberate omissions, improper maintenance practices, and organizational failures directly contributed to sending the aircraft into dangerous weather conditions. The Brazilian Air Force probe confirmed that severe icing conditions, mechanical system failures, and pilot distractions were factors in the crash.

Legal Proceedings

Local prosecutors must still decide whether to charge the accused individuals at a date to be determined. Thalles Andrade, a lawyer for the victims' families, said he will seek damages against everyone responsible, including directors and companies involved in the operation and ticket sales.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.