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NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 6, 2026Miami-Dade

Brazilian Federal Police charge 16 Voepass employees following fatal 2024 plane crash

Brazilian federal police have formally accused 16 current and former Voepass airline employees, including the company president, of negligence and endangering air traffic safety following a 2024 crash that killed 62 people. Investigators allege that the airline knowingly operated an aircraft with a faulty de-icing system in hazardous weather conditions.

aviation safetycriminal investigationtransportationlegal proceedings
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Español

Why It Matters

The investigation into the crash of the ATR 72-500 in Vinhedo could lead to criminal charges for airline leadership and staff, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 12 years, and sets a precedent for aviation safety accountability in Brazil.

Key Facts

  • 16 current and former Voepass employees were formally accused by Brazilian federal police.
  • The crash occurred on August 9, 2024, in Vinhedo, Brazil.
  • 62 people died in the crash, including 58 passengers and 4 crew members.
  • The aircraft involved was an ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop.
  • Investigators found the de-icing system failed or was manually toggled during 136 previous flights.
  • The aircraft was cleared for takeoff into known severe icing conditions despite reported system failures on three earlier flights that same day.
  • Criminal charges for endangering air traffic safety carry potential prison sentences of up to 12 years.
  • The crash is the deadliest in Brazil since 2007.
  • The investigation concluded that deliberate omissions and inadequate maintenance contributed to the disaster.
  • Victims' families are seeking compensation from the airline and its directors.

Who's Mentioned

personThalles Andrade“Lawyer representing the victims' families.”organizationAgencia Nacional de Aviación Civil“Brazilian civil aviation regulatory agency.”personJosé Luiz Felicio Filho“Owner and president of Voepass, among those accused.”organizationVoepass“The airline involved in the fatal crash.”personAndré Ribeiro“Federal police investigator.”