Passenger plane crash in Brazil, 62 on board

Update: Reuters is reporting that ice is a strong factor that may have caused the crash. There was an ice alert warning issued that day for the area of the crash. I am sure that these planes are equipped with wing heaters and should have been engaged.

It generally takes about a year to get a final report on most accidents. I expect the same to happen with this one as well.

Plane Accident Early Report
 

Ice, sleet and snow have taken several planes down over the years. Even a 1/4 inch of snow, sleet or ice can take a plane down or prevent if from taking off. Planes fly by air passing over the wings. Ice, sleet or snow changes the aerodynamics of the wings preventing it from climbing or staying aloft.

Pilots should deice prior to takeoff or use the wing heaters while in flight if ice, sleet or snow build up on the wings.

* I am only posting this as a matter of information.
 
The initial report was released in Brazil. The report reads that the expected cause will be ice on the wings and the deicers were not properly working. This will be the last update until the final determination and report is released.

The ATR-72 is equipped with an auto detection system, which when engaged by the pilots will detect ice or snow on many of the outside components, including the wings, ailerons, elevators, windshield and many more parts. Once ice or snow has been detected, the pilots should engage the ice boots and they will automatically clear any sleet, ice, snow, rain, whatever off of the components that are protected. Here is a very quick video showing how the boots on the wings work to shed ice or snow off, so that the plane will not be put into danger.

 


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