Seconds From Disaster - Planes Crash Breaking Point - Why Commercial Jets -planes - aircraft crash?
- 6 years ago
In every episode normally three accidents would be discussed. Over the 43 minute program aviation experts would discuss the events and what caused or led up to the crash. The show also featured state-of-the-art recreations and visuals to show what occurred during the accident.
In most all of the episodes a survivor or survivors would explain what they experienced during the accident.
A gripping look at how engines and structures have failed in flight, including how nine passengers were sucked out of a 747 when a cargo door exploded over the Pacific.
As air accident investigators attempt to unravel what has happened to the EgyptAir flight MS804, experts believe there are a number of possible causes.
Simon Ashley Bennett, director of the Civil Safety and Security Unit at the University of Leicester, says that while a terror attack is being claimed as the most likely cause, sabotage is only responsible for one in ten airline crashes.
In an article for The Conversation, he outlines the five main causes for airline disasters.
Bad weather accounts for around 10 per cent of aircraft losses. Despite a plethora of electronic aids like gyroscopic compasses, satellite navigation and weather data uplinks, aircraft still founder in storms, snow and fog
News of any terrible air accident instantly raises questions about aircraft safety and the threat of terrorism.
But until the facts are known, it is unwise to speculate on what might actually have caused a specific crash.
What we do know is that there are several causes that are more likely to occur than any other.
1. Pilot error
As aircraft have become more reliable, the proportion of crashes caused by pilot error has increased and now stands at around 50 per cent.
Aircraft are complex machines that require a lot of management.
Because pilots actively engage with the aircraft at every stage of a flight, there are numerous opportunities for this to go wrong, from failing to programme the vital flight-management computer (FMC) correctly to miscalculating the required fuel uplift.
While such errors are regrettable, it is important to remember that the pilot is the last line of defence when things go catastrophically wrong.
In January 2009 an Airbus A320 hit a flock of geese over New York City. With no power, the captain, Chesley Sullenberger, had to weigh up a number of options and act quickly. Using his extensive flying experience and knowledge of the plane's handling qualities he elected to ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River.
The 150 passengers were not saved by computers or any other automated system. They were saved by the two pilots – the very components that techno-enthusiasts claim can be replaced by computers and ground controllers.
2. Mechanical failure
Equipment failures still account for around 20 per cent of aircraft losses, despite improvements in design and manufacturing quality.
In most all of the episodes a survivor or survivors would explain what they experienced during the accident.
A gripping look at how engines and structures have failed in flight, including how nine passengers were sucked out of a 747 when a cargo door exploded over the Pacific.
As air accident investigators attempt to unravel what has happened to the EgyptAir flight MS804, experts believe there are a number of possible causes.
Simon Ashley Bennett, director of the Civil Safety and Security Unit at the University of Leicester, says that while a terror attack is being claimed as the most likely cause, sabotage is only responsible for one in ten airline crashes.
In an article for The Conversation, he outlines the five main causes for airline disasters.
Bad weather accounts for around 10 per cent of aircraft losses. Despite a plethora of electronic aids like gyroscopic compasses, satellite navigation and weather data uplinks, aircraft still founder in storms, snow and fog
News of any terrible air accident instantly raises questions about aircraft safety and the threat of terrorism.
But until the facts are known, it is unwise to speculate on what might actually have caused a specific crash.
What we do know is that there are several causes that are more likely to occur than any other.
1. Pilot error
As aircraft have become more reliable, the proportion of crashes caused by pilot error has increased and now stands at around 50 per cent.
Aircraft are complex machines that require a lot of management.
Because pilots actively engage with the aircraft at every stage of a flight, there are numerous opportunities for this to go wrong, from failing to programme the vital flight-management computer (FMC) correctly to miscalculating the required fuel uplift.
While such errors are regrettable, it is important to remember that the pilot is the last line of defence when things go catastrophically wrong.
In January 2009 an Airbus A320 hit a flock of geese over New York City. With no power, the captain, Chesley Sullenberger, had to weigh up a number of options and act quickly. Using his extensive flying experience and knowledge of the plane's handling qualities he elected to ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River.
The 150 passengers were not saved by computers or any other automated system. They were saved by the two pilots – the very components that techno-enthusiasts claim can be replaced by computers and ground controllers.
2. Mechanical failure
Equipment failures still account for around 20 per cent of aircraft losses, despite improvements in design and manufacturing quality.