Aviation Safety: Full List of Early Signs That May Point to Potential Air Crash
- Flying is often described as the safest way to travel, but recent incidents have shaken public confidence
- Images of a flaming aircraft in India and a door blown off mid-flight in Alaska have raised questions about whether warning signs were missed
- Aviation experts say accidents rarely happen in isolation, but instead result from a chain of events that can sometimes be spotted before disaster strikes
Flying is often described as the safest way to travel, yet recent images of a flaming aircraft on a India runway and a door blown off an Alaska Airlines flight have unsettled passengers.
Aviation experts say that while accidents may appear sudden, they are usually the result of a chain of events.
Source: Getty Images
Here are some of the signs that could indicate danger in the skies.
Accident chain in aviation safety
According to WKW, it was explained that accidents rarely stem from a single cause. Instead, they emerge from a sequence of events, often referred to as “links in a chain.”
If one link is added, an incident can escalate into an accident. Conversely, removing a link can prevent disaster.
Equipment malfunctions
Abnormalities in aircraft systems, such as malfunctioning equipment, are often early warning signs.
Even minor technical issues can combine with other factors to create serious risks.
Adverse weather conditions
According to Casey Gerry, unexpected weather changes are another critical factor.
Aviation reports highlight that storms, poor visibility, or sudden wind shifts can overwhelm crews and increase the likelihood of an incident.
Loss of situational awareness
Investigations frequently point to lapses in crew awareness.
When pilots lose track of their position or misjudge their surroundings, the risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) rises sharply.
Runway limitations
Landing at airports with short runways is a recognised hazard. If an aircraft struggles to slow down and the runway ends in water or obstacles, the consequences can be catastrophic.
By contrast, a grassy overrun area may reduce damage and prevent injuries.
Multiple cause factors
Aviation commissions have concluded that some accidents involve as many as 10 essential cause factors.
If any one of these had been absent, the accident might not have occurred. This underlines the importance of monitoring every potential risk.
Incidents vs. Accidents
Expert stressed that the difference between an incident and an accident often lies only in the outcome. An incident may involve the same chain of events but end with less severe consequences.
Source: Getty Images
India Air plane crash: Flight recorder recovered
Legit.ng earlier reported that officials investigating the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad confirmed the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), a crucial component in determining the cause of the tragedy that claimed 270 lives.
Authorities reported that the CVR was located at the crash site, aiding the ongoing probe into the disaster. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had earlier confirmed the retrieval of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
Both black boxes provide vital flight data and cockpit audio, which will help investigators establish the events leading up to the accident.
Source: Legit.ng
