## 2024-08-12 07:55:54
Investigations are ongoing in Brazil following the devastating crash of an ATR 72 on August 9th. The tragedy claimed the lives of 61 people when the plane plummeted from an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters in a matter of seconds.
“Bild” reports on the ongoing investigation.
Pilots who were in the vicinity on the same day confirmed witnessing ice forming on their cockpit windows, suggesting severe weather conditions in the area. Meteorological warnings issued prior to the crash explicitly warned of a high risk of icing due to high humidity and low temperatures, affecting altitudes between 3,650 and 6,400 meters. Additionally, turbulence was also reported on the same day, potentially contributing to the disaster.
Experts suggest that significant icing on the wings can significantly increase the weight of the aircraft, altering its center of gravity and compromising controllability. Icy deposits can also disable crucial aircraft components, including sensors and moving parts like flaps, which play a vital role in stabilization and flight control.
Investigators have retrieved and analyzed the flight recorder and black box of the aircraft. However, the degree of preservation of these devices will ultimately determine the speed and comprehensiveness of the investigation.
The analysis of the recorded data will provide valuable insights into the technical aspects of the incident and potentially confirm or refute the theory that icing on the wings was the primary cause of the tragedy.
Earlier reports indicated that another passenger plane crashed in Brazil, resulting in no survivors.
The Brazilian president confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board the doomed flight appear to have perished.