Commercial airline disasters are tragic events that occur when a commercial airliner experiences an accident or other incident that results in damage to the aircraft, death, or injury to the passengers and crew. The causes of airline disasters can range from mechanical failure to pilot error to weather-related issues. In some cases, the cause of the disaster is never identified.
The deadliest commercial airline disaster occurred in 1985 when a Japan Air Lines Boeing 747 crashed into the mountain of Osutaka Ridge, killing 520 of the 524 people on board. The cause of the crash was traced to mechanical failure, as the plane’s tail fin had been weakened due to metal fatigue. These events are unfortunate but can happen to anyone’s family member, and if your loved ones are ever in an accident like this, then it is better to consult an experienced aviation disaster attorney for further guidance.
Most Common Causes
Pilot error
Pilot error is one of the most common causes of commercial airline disasters. It can involve a range of errors, from poor judgment to inadequate training and lack of experience. In some cases, a pilot error has led to catastrophic results, such as the crash of an airliner after a pilot made a wrong decision due to stress or fatigue.
Pilot error can be caused by many factors, including fatigue, stress, distraction, inadequate training, and inadequate communication between the pilot and crew. In many cases, a pilot error can be directly linked to the failure of the airlines to train their personnel or enforce regulations properly. In other cases, it can be due to a lack of experience or a lack of understanding of the aircraft’s systems.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure is a major contributing factor in many commercial airline disasters. This is because an aircraft’s mechanical systems are highly complex and must be properly maintained and inspected to ensure safe flight operation. When a mechanical failure occurs, it can result in an aircraft not being able to take off, losing altitude, or crashing.
A hydraulic system malfunction can cause an aircraft to lose control and crash. Other mechanical failures can include issues with the engines, landing gear, and navigation systems.
Weather
The effects of weather on commercial airline disasters can be devastating. Weather can have an impact on a variety of different aspects of aviation, from visibility to turbulence to wind speed and direction, to thunderstorms and other extreme weather events.
Air traffic controllers
Air traffic control (ATC) plays a major role in ensuring the safety of commercial airline flights. When ATC makes mistakes, the consequences can be disastrous for airlines, passengers, and crew members. One of the most notable ATC-related disasters occurred in 1996 when two fully loaded Boeing 747s collided on a runway in the Canary Islands. The two aircraft, operated by China Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, collided when the KLM flight attempted to take off without clearance from ATC. As a result, the KLM flight crashed into a China Airlines plane, killing all 234 people onboard the flight.
Fuel-related problems
Fuel-related problems are a major concern in the aviation industry, and they have caused numerous commercial airline disasters over the years. Poor fuel management, incorrect fueling procedures, and inadequate fuel storage can all contribute to the potential for a disastrous event. This is why it is essential that there are assessments of each area to see what can be adjusted or changed. For instance, the use of secure fuel storage tanks is a must, so if the current ones are old, then they will need to be changed as soon as possible.
Overloading or unbalanced cargo
Overloading or unbalanced cargo can cause serious commercial airline disasters. When cargo is overloaded or unevenly distributed, it can cause the aircraft to become unbalanced and destabilized in the air. The extra weight of the cargo can cause a decrease in the aircraft’s performance and maneuverability. In some cases, the aircraft may become too heavy to lift off from the runway, causing it to break apart in mid-air.
Conclusion
If you are in a situation where your loved ones are victims of commercial airline disasters, find an attorney and get to the bottom of the issue with the support of an experienced aviation disaster attorney.