March 10, 2023
Aviation accidents are among the most frightening and devastating types of passenger vehicle crashes. These incidents can be catastrophic not only for those on the plane but also for their families and loved ones.
Determining the cause of an aviation accident is a challenging undertaking. However, it is an essential question to ask if you or someone you know has been involved in such an incident.
What Are Some Common Causes of Aviation Accidents?
Below are some of the most common reasons for these crashes:
Pilot Error – Although airline manufacturers can engineer as many risks as possible out of flying through the use of technology, the pilot error remains the primary cause of aviation accidents.
Pilots are responsible for executing safe takeoffs and landings, responding to mechanical problems, and navigating the aircraft through inclement weather.
In addition to these critical tasks, pilots must also maintain proper fuel levels, utilize the plane’s de-icing system, follow instructions from air traffic control, maintain appropriate speed and altitude during the flight, and perform many other essential duties.
Any slight error or delay in handling these responsibilities could potentially result in a disaster. Therefore, it is crucial for pilots to remain vigilant and perform all tasks with the utmost care and attention to prevent aviation accidents.
Mechanical Error – Accounting for 22% of all aviation crashes, mechanical errors are the second most common cause of accidents.
Such errors may stem from an inherent flaw in the aircraft’s design, improper installation or maintenance of mechanical parts, or external factors such as bird strikes that can cause damage to the plane’s engines and other critical components.
Therefore, airlines must ensure that aircraft undergo regular maintenance checks and that any issues are promptly addressed to prevent mechanical failures from leading to fatal accidents.
Additionally, designers and manufacturers must constantly strive to improve the safety and reliability of their aircraft to reduce the risk of mechanical failures.
Inclement Weather – Responsible for 12% of aviation accidents, inclement weather is a significant cause of concern for pilots and airlines.
Although pilots and airlines closely monitor weather conditions and avoid turbulent areas or refrain from flying in extreme weather conditions, the unpredictable nature of weather remains challenging.
For example, lightning strikes severely threaten aircraft as they can cause electrical failures or even ignite fuel tanks and pipes. Other adverse weather conditions that can cause aviation accidents include strong winds, heavy storms, and thick fog that limit a pilot’s visibility during takeoff or landing.
Therefore, lots and airlines must remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions when operating in adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Air Traffic Controller Error- The role of air traffic controllers in ensuring aviation safety cannot be overstated. They are responsible for maintaining the separation of aircraft and guiding flights through congested airspace.
In addition, air traffic controllers communicate with pilots to provide flight headings and designate the appropriate altitude for an aircraft to fly.
In the event of a mistake or failure to maintain flight separation by a controller, collisions between aircraft can occur, leading to catastrophic accidents.
Air traffic control data and transcripts are typically retained for a limited period following an accident.
However, obtaining this information as soon as possible after a collision is crucial in identifying any errors or oversights that may have contributed to the incident.
Therefore, it is essential for air traffic controllers to remain vigilant and perform their duties with the utmost care and attention to prevent accidents from occurring.
Improper Aircraft Maintenance- Aircraft maintenance is of utmost importance to ensure safe and efficient operations. Numerous regulations and guidelines govern aircraft maintenance, and airplane mechanics must adhere to specific checklists and inspection requirements.
The nature and extent of these requirements can vary depending on the type of Flight Activity Rules (FARs) governing the flight.
Determining whether a mechanical issue was the cause of an aviation accident can be a challenging process. Post-accident inspections play a crucial role in understanding the factors contributing to the crash, including whether a mechanical failure was involved.
Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough investigations and evaluations to identify any issues with aircraft maintenance and take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ensuring proper aircraft maintenance is critical to maintaining the safety and reliability of air travel.
Aircraft Design Defects- The aircraft design can vary greatly, encompassing different types of engines, propellers, wings, and cockpit instrumentation.
Any shortcomings in the design of these components can have severe consequences and may result in accidents. The design of an aircraft must be capable of withstanding turbulence, weather, and other environmental factors.
These designs undergo rigorous testing procedures before being put into production to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Gathering information from these tests is crucial to ensure that engineers have put the design through proper protocols.
An aircraft with a defectively designed component can pose a significant risk and may result in accidents. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that aircraft designs are thoroughly tested and evaluated to identify any issues before they enter into service.
Maintaining the highest standards in aircraft design and engineering is critical to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew during air travel.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve: Hire a Khashan Law Firm Lawyer for Your Aviation Accident Case
At Khashan Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that airplane accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our highly experienced attorneys in California are dedicated to providing you with the legal support, guidance, and resources necessary to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for your traumatic experience.
We believe in personalized attention and will listen carefully to your unique situation to determine the best approach to resolving your case. Whether you are located in Southern California or the Murrieta area, we are here to help.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, please do not hesitate to contact Khashan Law today for a free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.