Brazil passenger plane crash: Aircraft underwent inspection a day before the incident, says airline

The passenger aircraft that crashed in the Brazilian cityof Vinhedo on Friday (Aug 9)killing 61 people underwent an inspection a day before the crash,according to Voepass airline Chief Operations Officer Marcel Moura.

Addressing a press conference, Moura said that on Thursday, the aircraft presented no technical problems.

“The previous night it (plane) underwent a routine inspection, without any kind of technical problem (identified) that would affect flying,” he said.

“They (officials) have the characteristics of the flight, they have more sensitivity to the risk situation. No hypothesis has been discarded at this time," Moura added.

"We are ready, CENIPA (Center of Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautic Accidents) is already here, CENIPA is the body responsible for this investigation and we are working side by side with them to provide all the information, to actively participate in the ongoing investigation," he further said.

The aircraft crash

The aircraft fell into what aviation experts called a flat spin before crashing in a residential neighbourhood near Sao Paulo, killing all 61 on board.Voepass said the plane, bound for Sao Paulo's international airport, took off from Cascavel, in the state of Parana, and crashed at around 1.30 pm inVinhedo.

Watch |At least 61 dead after passenger plane crashes in Brazil

A video shared on social media showedthe ATR-72 aircraft spinning out of control as it plunged behind a cluster of trees near houses, followed by a large plume of black smoke.

City officials at Valinhos, near Vinhedo, said a home in the local condominium complex had been damaged after the plane crashed into its backyard. None of the residents were hurt.

Some aviation experts speculatedthat ice had built up on the plane or it had experienced engine failure, but investigators said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.

The investigation

During Saturday's press conference,Marcel Moura said that the airline wasevaluating the icy conditions at the incident site.

"Today ice was predicted (at the altitudes the plane was flying at), but within the acceptable range. But we are looking at a cold front. Tomorrow we'll have low temperatures. There is a big difference between today's heat and the temperature expected for tomorrow, where there will be a more pronounced ice formation. But as an airline, even for take-off, we are evaluating where it can fly within its restrictions," he said.

“We have airline companies that are providing flights from Cascavel to Sao Paulo (for relatives). The bodies will be relocated from Vinhedo to Sao Paulo. In Sao Paulo there is more infrastructure to undertake the necessary exams, dental exams, DNA exams, we have more capabilities there," Moura further said.

(With inputs from agencies)