Air India Plane Crash Report
Air India Plane Crash Report: What Truly Occurred in Kozhikode
When Air India Express Flight IX 1344 crashed at Kozhikode Airport in Kerala, India, on August 7, 2020, a tragedy occurred. This aircraft, which carried 190 people—passengers and crew—from Dubai to Kozhikode as part of the Vande Bharat Mission, which was designed to repatriate Indians who had become stuck during the COVID-19 epidemic.
The Crash
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, which attempted to land amidst heavy rainfall on a tabletop runway—a runway type constructed on elevated land with steep drop-offs at both ends. Following an unsuccessful landing attempt, the pilots made another try. Unfortunately, the aircraft landed too far down the runway, failed to stop in time, and skidded off the edge, resulting in it breaking into two sections.
Regrettably, 21 individuals lost their lives, including both the captain and first officer, while over 75 others sustained serious injuries.
What the Investigation Discovered
An official report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) disclosed several critical findings:
Pilot Judgment: The captain proceeded with the landing despite adverse weather conditions and tailwinds, which contravened standard operating procedures.
Late Touchdown: The aircraft made contact with the runway too far along its length, leaving insufficient distance to stop safely.
Weather Conditions: Rain and reduced visibility exacerbated the dangers associated with the landing.
Runway Design: Kozhikode’s runway’s tabletop layout increased the possibility of disaster in the case that any mistakes or miscalculations were made.
Safety Issues and Recommendations
The report also proposed measures to prevent similar incidents in the future:
Pilots should adhere to established landing protocols, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Airports featuring tabletop runways ought to implement safety systems such as EMAS (a material designed to halt overshooting aircraft).
Runways should undergo regular cleaning and grip testing, especially during the rainy season.
Enhanced training for pilots on challenging landing scenarios.
Why It Matters
The Kozhikode crash has raised international concerns regarding runway safety, particularly in difficult locations such as hilltop airports. It also underscored the significance of stringent safety measures in aviation.
FAQS
Q1. What was the Air India plane crash incident?
A: The Air India crash refers to a tragic aviation accident involving an Air India aircraft that crashed due to various operational or technical failures, often investigated by authorities for detailed insights.
Q2. When and where did the Air India crash happen?
A: The most talked-about recent crash occurred on August 7, 2020, when Air India Express Flight IX-1344 from Dubai skidded off the runway at Kozhikode Airport, Kerala, during landing in heavy rain.
Q3. How many casualties were reported in the Air India plane crash?
A: In the 2020 Kozhikode crash, 21 people, including both pilots, lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries.
Q4. What were the key reasons behind the Air India crash according to the report?
A: The official investigation pointed to factors like poor weather, pilot error, and inadequate landing technique on a tabletop runway.
Q5. What constitutes a tabletop runway and what makes it hazardous?
A: A tabletop runway is built on a plateau or hilltop with steep drop-offs on the sides. It requires precision landings and can be risky during bad weather or miscalculations.
Q6. Was the aircraft involved in the crash well-maintained?
A: Yes, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was considered airworthy and had passed all safety checks before departure.
Q7. What steps did DGCA or Indian authorities take after the crash?
A: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a detailed investigation, and improvements in airport infrastructure and safety protocols were recommended.
Q8. Did Air India compensate the victims’ families?
A: Indeed, Air India Express offered financial compensation to the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured, in accordance with government regulations and airline policies.
Q9. Has Air India experienced comparable crashes previously?
A: Yes, one of the deadliest was the 1978 crash near Mumbai and the 2010 Mangalore crash, both raising global concerns about airport safety and aircraft operations in India.
Q11. What type of aircraft was involved in the Kozhikode crash?
A: The aircraft that was involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-800, which belonged to Air India Express, a low-cost subsidiary of Air India that was operating under the Vande Bharat Mission at that time.
Q12. What was the purpose of the flight that crashed in Kozhikode?
A: The flight served as a repatriation mission under the Vande Bharat initiative, aimed at bringing back Indian citizens who were stranded abroad due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Q13. How did weather play a role in the Air India crash?
A: The heavy rainfall and poor visibility during the landing contributed to the difficulties in approach, which were factors that led to the aircraft overshooting the runway.
Q14. Was there any fire after the crash?
A: Thankfully, even though the aircraft split into two sections, there was no fire following the crash, which helped to minimize the number of casualties.
Q15. How did emergency services respond after the crash?
A: Emergency response teams, including airport firefighters, local police, and ambulances, acted swiftly to assist in rescuing passengers and reducing further injuries.
Q16. Were there children or infants on board?
A: Yes, the list of passengers included children and infants, many of whom were successfully rescued and received prompt medical care.
Q17. Did the black box play a crucial role in the investigation of the crash?
A: Yes, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly known as black boxes, were retrieved and played a vital role in analyzing the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Q18. What improvements have been suggested for Kozhikode Airport?
A: Suggested improvements included the installation of an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS), enhancements to runway end safety areas (RESA), and upgrades to airport lighting and drainage systems.
Q19. Has the Kozhikode runway previously been regarded as hazardous?
A: Yes, Kozhikode’s tabletop runway had previously been identified in audits as having safety issues due to its limited RESA and the challenging approach conditions during the monsoon season.