Notes on Aviation Crises and Emergencies

Introduction

• Various incidents involving passenger aircraft.
• Focus on human error, technical failures, and environmental conditions leading to crises.

Concorde Flight Incident

• Crisis on Takeoff: Control issues arise during takeoff.
• Fuel Consumption: Remarkably high; average car fuel consumption compared to Concorde.
• Passenger Awareness: High ticket prices but some unaware of actual costs.
• Clearance for Takeoff: Tower controller gives clearance, and the decision speed (V1) is reached, making it impossible to abort.
• Engine Fire: Plane veers left; flames erupt from Engine 2, requiring emergency procedures to be enacted.
• Descent into Disaster: Plane crashes into a hotel after losing control.

Tenerife Airport Collision

• Heavy Traffic: Los Rodeos Airport overwhelmed with flight traffic.
• Pan Am and KLM Flights: Pan Am 1736 held on taxiway; KLM flight involved in collision.
• Miscommunication: Confusion in instructions led to simultaneous runway usage.
• Collision Consequences: Both planes crash; many fatalities.

Cork Airport Incident

• Foggy Conditions: Difficult landing conditions due to fog.
• Flight Crew Challenges: Circling the airport while awaiting clearance, showcasing pilot coordination and situational awareness.
• Landing Complications: Unexpected roll during landing leads to near-disaster.

Continental Airlines Flight 1404

• Takeoff Incident: Flight veers off runway at Denver.
• Human Error: Factors contributing to loss of control under crosswinds.
• Outcome: Plane stops 700 feet from the runway, injuries sustained by crew members.

LAX Collision Investigation

• Busy Airspace: High traffic density with precise timing required for landings and takeoffs.
• NTSB Findings: Human error was a significant factor in collision between two aircraft.
• Aftermath: Controller left the job after the incident, highlighting emotional toll.

Manchester Airport Fire Incident

• Takeoff Fire: Routine flight faced catastrophic engine fire during takeoff.
• Investigative Findings: Previous mechanical issues and decision-making under pressure.
• Fatalities: High death toll due to rapid fire spread into the cabin.

Yak Service Flight 9633 Incident

• Failed Takeoff: Plane did not lift off as expected, leading to a crash shortly after.
• Crew Struggles: Desperate attempts to control the aircraft as it left the runway.

Garuda Flight 200 Landing Incident

• Turbulence and Descent: Crew faced issues during landing approach, causing concern among passengers.
• Crash and Injuries: Multiple impacts resulted in injuries, highlighting the chaos during critical moments.

Asiana Flight 214 Crash

• Landing Approach: Experienced passengers noted issues with altitude just before landing.
• Impact and Fire: Serious crash leading to fire and injuries; passengers worked to help each other escape.
• Emergency Response: Fire crews engaged in rescue amid a critical situation.

Conclusion

• Key Themes: Human error, environmental factors, technical failures all contribute to aviation crises.
• Importance of Training: Emphasizes the need for rigorous pilot and controller training to handle emergencies.