Aviation is a highly safe mode of transportation due to its emphasis on safety measures, constant innovation, high safety consciousness.
Nevertheless, accidents in aviation take place and they often result in numerous casualties.
Pilot error
Pilot error is the most common cause of aviation accidents, with human factors contributing significantly. A pilot’s judgment can lead to small errors or significant ones that can cause aircraft loss of control. As with every other profession, fatigue, lack of adequate experience, poor communication and decision-making can all affect a pilot’s performance.
Inadequate Training
One of the biggest causes of pilot error is either lack of or insufficient training. A pilot who is not professionally certified or frequently flys may make errors during their flight. A comprehensive pilot course in Australia is necessary for a pilot to effectively handle emergencies on short runways and in difficult weather conditions during their duties. A pilot’s proficiency in responding to new emergencies is significantly enhanced through training and recurrent simulations.
Fatigue
A pilot’s performance can be significantly impacted by fatigue, which is a crucial factor to consider when flying. Caused by long working hours, shift work and the physical/mental stressors associated with flying seriously reduces a pilot’s ability to focus and capacity to cope with an emergency.
Mechanical Failures
Modern airplanes require documented backup systems for safety, but mechanical failures and malfunctions remain a significant factor in airline disasters. They are those that emanate from mishandling during production, misuse or natural deterioration due to use over time.
Manufacturing defects
Defects can result in complete failure of important systems in flight. Strict quality control measures prevent frequent incidents, but they can be severe when they do occur. Aerospace manufacturing firms have taken significant steps to minimize the risks of defects, but the risk of mechanical failure due to manufacturing flaws still exists.
Maintenance Issues
This is important because maintenance plays a major role when it comes to the longevity of an aircraft. If the maintenance process is not carried out correctly or if inspections and repairs are neglected, mechanical breakdowns will occur. Constant observation and adherence to maintenance practices and procedures are imperative as monitored by regulatory bodies.
Wear and Tear
Tough conditions, such as flying at high altitudes, expose airplanes to pressure and temperature changes. Persistent conditions in aircraft can cause pressure on components and potentially lead to mechanical breakdowns if not properly checked. Actively conducting visual checks is crucial to ensure equipment health and replace worn-out parts before they cause an accident.
Weather conditions
Adverse weather is a significant cause of aviation accidents, as it significantly impacts aviators’ safety and performance. Despite having advanced instruments in today’s aircraft that guide them through turbulent weather conditions, the latter remains a threat to the aircraft.
Thunderstorms and Turbulence
Severe turbulence and shower experiences are some of the worst nightmares that a pilot experiences in flight. Extreme turbulence can make the aircraft stall, sink, or turn in unplanned ways. Turbulence can cause significant structural damage and injure passengers and crew members if they fail to use proper restraints.
Icing
Supercooled water droplets in clouds freeze on the surface of the aircraft, a phenomenon known as icing. The aircraft can experience significant pressure, reduced lift, and increased drag, making it difficult to control. Icing can also affect other functions in the aeroplane such as the engines. Trained personnel are required to operate hazardous equipment and implement adequate ice removal measures on the plane.
Low Visibility
Adverse weather conditions including fog, intense rainfall or snow make it difficult for pilots to manoeuvre. Despite this, a pilot must be able to fly the aircraft using instruments, especially during low-visibility take-offs and landings. Concealment has played a role in most runway incidences of accidents and/or impacts on the ground.
Air traffic control issues
Air traffic control (ATC) is a crucial role in managing aircraft flows from the ground within controlled airspace. The ATC system faces challenges such as communication failures, human factors, and technology issues that can lead to aviation mishaps.
Communication Breakdowns
In civil aviation, pilots and the ATC ensure safety by maintaining good communication for planning flight routes, avoiding mid-air collisions, and providing general traffic control, particularly in busy airspace areas.
Human Error in ATC
Air traffic controllers work under conditions where they need to process a huge amount of information and make decisions in the shortest possible time to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. However, like pilots, they can make human errors as well. Inadequate judgment, incorrect data interpretation, or failure to recognize flight path clashes can lead to mid-air collisions or other mishaps. Consistent and frequent training is crucial to minimize human error in ATC operations.
Outdated Technology
The accuracy and reliability of certain ATC systems in specific regions may be compromised due to potential outdatedness. Advanced technologies like satellite-based navigation and automated tracking systems can enhance airplane safety by addressing Automatic Traffic Control (ATC) issues.
The occurrence of an aviation accident is typically influenced by various factors, similar to any other air disaster. A pilot training program should effectively teach technical and decision-making skills to potential candidates. Furthermore, any candidate aspiring to make it through an airline pilot technical interview should acquaint themselves with these safety issues since they are usually front-line questions.
