Brazil police formally accuse 16 in Voepass crash that killed 62

Brazil’s federal police have formally accused 16 current and former Voepass airline employees of actions linked to the August 2024 plane crash that killed all 62 people on board. Among those accused is the airline’s owner and president, Jose Luiz Felicio Filho.

Investigators announced alleged malpractice, omission and negligence, with some facing charges of endangering air traffic safety and causing a fatal disaster. The ATR 72-500 was flying from Cascavel to Guarulhos when it plunged into a condominium backyard in Vinhedo, killing 58 passengers and four crew members.

Police said data recorders showed the de-icing system failed repeatedly or was manually switched on and off during 136 flights. The aircraft was allegedly cleared for departure into known severe icing conditions despite failures on three earlier flights that day. Local prosecutors will decide whether to file charges. A lawyer for victims’ families said he would seek damages against everyone responsible.