Ahmedabad Air Crash: A Safety Wake-Up Call

Why in the News?

1. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London faced technical issues shortly after takeoff.
2. This resulted in a crash landing killing almost all passengers and crew.
3. This incident highlighted a broader trend - most aviation accidents occur during takeoff and landing, not mid-flight.
4. Data from Boeing’s Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents (2015–2024) supports this trend.

Key Dimensions of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash:

1. Immediate Emergency Signalled
   1. The pilot issued a Mayday call within seconds of takeoff, indicating a life-threatening emergency.
   2. However, no further communication followed, suggesting either instant system failure or structural damage.
2. Breakdown in Real-Time Air-Ground Coordination
   1. Despite the emergency call, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) could not establish further contact.
   2. This raises concerns over efficacy of emergency protocols between cockpit and ATC during critical moments.
3. Pilot Was Highly Experienced
   1. The Captain had over 8,200 flying hours, including 1,100 hours on the Boeing 787 aircraft.
   2. This makes human error less likely, focusing attention on mechanical failure or technical glitch.
4. Crash Within 40 Seconds of Takeoff in Civilian Zone
   1. The aircraft crashed into a residential and medical college area, causing ground-level casualties.
   2. Highlights the urgent need for safe buffer zones around airports in urban areas.
5. DGCA and Safety Regulation Challenges
   1. DGCA acknowledged the emergency but couldn’t intervene effectively.
   2. It reveals the need for stronger monitoring systems, quicker response infrastructure, and regular audits of high-risk aircraft.

Mayday Call: It is an emergency radio signal used by aircraft and ships to request urgent help. It must be used only for genuine emergencies, as false Mayday calls can lead to severe penalties and waste critical rescue resources.     Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The DGCA is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Functions: Regulatory Body for Aviation Safety: The DGCA ensures the safety of aircraft, passengers, and airline operations in India. Controls Air Transport Services: It regulates flights within India and those flying to or from the country. Enforces Aviation Laws: The DGCA makes sure airlines follow air safety rules and maintain aircraft standards.

Why do accidents happen mostly during take-off or landing?

1. Limited Time & Space for Correction:
   1. During takeoff/landing, pilots have minimal time and space to react if something goes wrong.
   2. Unlike cruise, there is no altitude buffer to correct errors or system failures.
2. Aircraft under Maximum Stress:
   1. During takeoff, a plane's engines and body experience the most pressure as they work hard to lift off the ground.
   2. During landing, aircraft must handle speed, alignment, descent, and possible runway factors all at once.
3. External Risk Factors:
   1. Lower altitudes are more prone to bird strikes, turbulence, wind shear, and poor visibility.
   2. Landings are further complicated by human error and technical challenges.

What is a Black Box?

1. Black boxes are flight recorders that help investigators understand what caused a plane crash.
2. Aircraft must have two types of recorders:
   1. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): captures conversations and cockpit sounds.
   2. Flight Data Recorder (FDR): stores over 80 types of flight data like altitude, speed, heading, and autopilot status.
3. These are usually located at the tail end of the aircraft, where damage is less likely during a crash.
4. The black box is stored in a strong, protected unit with insulation to resist fire, water, and impact.

Impact of this on Economy:

1. Fall in Boeing's Share Price:
   1. Boeing’s share prices went down by nearly 8% in pre market after this incident
   2. This reflects investor fear about Boeing’s aircraft safety and future sales.
2. Aviation Insurance Premiums May Rise
   1. This crash is seen as a "significant event" by the global insurance industry.
   2. Experts say it could lead to higher aviation insurance premiums worldwide, especially for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787.
   3. Insurance firms may also become stricter in policy renewals and terms of coverage.
3. Reinsurance Cost Escalation
   1. Insurance for large aircraft is typically shared among multiple global firms via reinsurance.
   2. This crash could increase reinsurance costs, especially if multiple such incidents happen in a short time.
4.  Financial Liability for Air India and Tata Group
   1. Air India may face a liability burden of over ₹500 crore, including compensation, legal costs, and aircraft damage.
   2. They could also face reputation and financial stress despite its swift humanitarian response.
5.  Effect on Aircraft Manufacturing Sector
   1. The incident may further delay deliveries or affect demand for Boeing’s 787 models
   2. This impacts global aviation production and supply chains.
6. Impact on India’s aviation Sector:
   1. It may face a downgrade in global rankings, leading to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny from international aviation bodies.
   2. Foreign investments in Indian airlines could decline, as concerns over safety standards may make investors hesitant to fund aviation-related projects.

Way Forward:

1. Check aircraft health before every flight using modern tools that can detect any technical problem early.
2. Train pilots and air Traffic Control (ATC) staff better for emergencies with regular practice and mock drills.
3. Avoid building homes or schools too close to airports to reduce damage if accidents happen.
4. Make sure old aircraft follow all safety rules strictly and are inspected more often.
5. Use smart technology that can warn the pilot early if something is going wrong in the engine or system.
6. Ensure crash investigations are open and quick, and use the findings to improve safety rules.

 

Ensure IAS Mains Question: Q. Aviation accidents often occur during takeoff or landing despite technological advancements. Examine the systemic challenges in ensuring air safety and suggest robust preventive mechanisms. (250 words)

 

Ensure IAS Prelims Question: Q. In the context of aviation safety, which of the following best explains the function of a "black box" in aircraft? It records only the pilot's voice and instructions during flight. It controls the aircraft’s autopilot system. It stores crucial data and cockpit conversations to aid in crash investigations. It provides real-time flight status updates to air traffic control. Answer: c Explanation: A black box in an aircraft is a critical device that records flight data and cockpit conversations. It captures essential information such as speed, altitude, engine performance, and pilot interactions. This data helps aviation experts analyze accidents and understand what went wrong. The black box is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including crashes, fire, and deep-sea pressures, ensuring investigators can retrieve crucial details even after severe incidents. These devices play a vital role in improving aviation safety by identifying risks and preventing future accidents. Airlines and regulatory authorities use black box recordings to enhance flight operations and establish better safety protocols. By studying past incidents, they work towards minimizing errors and making air travel safer for everyone.

 

 

Also Read
UPSC Foundation Course	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Magazine	CSAT Foundation Course
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist