Data from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) indicate that between 2014 and 2024 there were 388 fatal incidents involving aircraft in Brazil, which led to 746 fatalities. The number does not consider the losses from the crash of the ATR 72-500, in Vinhedo, last Friday (9), which left 62 dead.
Figures from this panel show that the most common “contributing factor” among accidents is loss of control in flight, with 124 occurrences. Next in line are undetermined factors, engine failures or malfunctions, low-altitude operation and controlled flight into terrain.
See the list below:
- Loss of control in flight: 124
- Undetermined: 54
- Engine failure or malfunction: 46
- Low altitude operation: 29
- Controlled flight into terrain: 22
- Collision with obstacle during takeoff and landing: 20
- System/component failure or malfunction: 15
- Others: 11
- Fuel: 9
Cenipa does not work with the “cause” of accidents, but with contributing factors. “Cause” refers to a factor that stands out, that is preponderant, and the investigation does not elect one factor as the main one, according to the center itself.
Furthermore, the CENIPA investigation does not have a criminal purpose, but is aimed at preventing new accidents, based on the analysis of information and obtaining conclusions. In parallel with the CENIPA process, the police authority carries out the criminal investigation.
In an interview with CNN, the former head of the Cenipa Investigation Division, Rufino Antônio da Silva Ferreira — as well as other experts — stated that it is still impossible to indicate any of the contributing factors to the accident that occurred in Vinhedo.
Cenipa’s investigation
Ferreira emphasizes that it is not possible to predict the time it takes to investigate an accident, since there is considerable variation from case to case. From now on, in general terms, CENIPA gathers committees of professionals, collects data, then analyzes this data, and only then reaches its first conclusions.
Rufino Antônio da Silva Ferreira coordinated the investigations into the crash of Gol 1907 in 2006 at Cenipa. The Boeing 737 crashed after colliding in mid-air with an Embraer Legacy 600, resulting in 154 deaths.
The investigation basically follows three lines: the operational, which will look at issues such as aircraft maintenance, flight plan, and even meteorology; the human, which will analyze factors linked to the lives of pilots, command center professionals, among others; and the material, to observe the aircraft, airport infrastructure, etc.
Because of these nuances, professionals from a wide range of areas will be involved, from mechanics to psychologists. An investigation of this size must involve dozens of people. The process coordinated by Ferreira, for example, involved more than 200.
Source: CNN Brasil
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