Most crashes happen because of human negligence. When we board a plane, we put the safety of our lives in the hands of the pilot and hope they would do their job just perfectly.
Unfortunately, over the years, there have been horrific plane crashes that could have been easily avoided if not for the mistakes made by the pilots. Let’s take a closer look at some of these tragic incidents:
Aeroflot Flight 593, 1994
In March 1994, Aeroflot Flight 593 crashed in Siberia, killing all 75 people on board. The cause of the crash was a decision made by the relief pilot, who allowed his children to play with the plane’s controls. This action caused the system to switch from autopilot to manual mode, leading to the tragic crash.
TransAsia Airways Flight 235, 2015
In February 2015, TransAsia Airways Flight 235 collided with a highway bridge in Taiwan and then plunged into the Keelung River. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 48 people. The pilot mistakenly switched off the only working engine, causing the plane to lose power.
Tuninter Flight 1153, 2005
Tuninter Flight 1153 was flying from Tunisia to Italy when it ran out of fuel due to a mechanical error. Instead of following emergency procedures, the pilot and co-pilot decided to pray. As a result, the plane crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, claiming the lives of sixteen passengers.
KLM and Pan Am Collision, 1977
One of the deadliest accidents in aviation history occurred in 1977 when two Boeing 747s – KLM Flight 1736 and Pan Am Flight 1736 – collided at Tenerife Airport. Miscommunication between the KLM flight crew and Air Traffic Control led to this tragedy, resulting in the deaths of 583 people.
Airblue Flight 202, Islamabad, 2010
In July 2010, Airblue Flight 202 crashed near Islamabad, Pakistan, killing all 146 passengers and six crew members. The co-pilot failed to question the pilot’s repeated errors, possibly due to the captain’s harsh and snobbish behavior. This tragedy could have been avoided if proper action had been taken.
Air Florida Flight 90, 1982
Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River in 1982, killing 74 people. The crew failed to switch on the de-icing system and used reverse thrust to address ice buildup. They also neglected to abort the takeoff despite detecting a power issue.
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, 1972
In 1972, an Eastern Airlines Tristar jet crashed into the Florida Everglades. The pilot and co-pilot were distracted by a burnt-out bulb, and their attention was diverted from flying the plane. They accidentally deactivated the autopilot, resulting in a loss of altitude and the tragic crash.
As we reflect on these heartbreaking incidents, it is clear that many of them could have been avoided. Pilots play a crucial role in the safety of air travel, and it is essential for them to be vigilant and adhere to proper procedures.
