Gone are the days when traveling across the seven seas was a significant undertaking. The technological advancements of the modern era morphed the previously unattainable endeavors into achievable realities. One of such technical marvels is the aeroplane. Who would have thought that journeys that took weeks or even months would become a matter of just a few hours?
However, no convenience has come without a cost, and the price for faster transportation is an inherent increased life threat. As per the World Health Organization, the odds of death resulting from a motor vehicle crash are just 1 in 107, translating into about 99% chances of survival. Contrarily, if an aeroplane falls from the height it flies at, the chances of survival are quite slim.
Even though many people argue that the safety precautions such as parachutes and emergency exits greatly reduce the risk of dying, the chances of survival are merely a gamble. Thus far, the world has witnessed numerous major and minor aircraft crashes.
2021 has seen ten accidents so far, with around 118 fatalities. Although most accidents nowadays result from pilot errors or major structural failures, aircraft exhaust and engine mount defects also lead to major engine and other equipment failures, which ultimately result in accidents. Hence, the need for proper aircraft maintenance, inspection, and frequent equipment upgrading can not be emphasized enough.
But that's a topic for another time. As the largest aviation welding technicians and reliable providers of aircraft equipment repair, maintenance, and replacement services, today, we shall educate our readers about the tragedies that brought major changes in the aviation industry.
Major Aviation Incidents And The Alterations They Provoked
Before we start, it is worth clarifying that crashes are not the only type of incidents that result in fatalities. Other issues, like a malfunctioning aircraft exhaust, have also led to deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning and sudden fires.
Experience is the best teacher, but sometimes people should not wait to experience the consequences of a shortcoming before addressing it. Nevertheless, the aviation industry learned the hard way:
The Catastrophe Of The Grand Canyon
(June 30, 1956)
The 128 passengers and crew members aboard the two unfortunate flights leaving the Los Angeles International Airport would have never imagined such a terrible demise. The seemingly tranquil Grand Canyon skies saw a turmoiling storm when the two flights collided, leaving no breath spared.
However, the incident led to an instant $250 million worth of upgrades to the existing Air Traffic Control system to avoid such a tragedy in the future. Hence, the risk of flight collisions has been greatly minimized since then.
Cincinnati’s Post Landing Flash Fire
(June 2, 1983)
While flying at about 33 000 feet above the ground, tendrils of smoke gliding out of the rear lavatory were noticed in Air Canada’s flight 797. However, before anyone could react, the smoke thickened and turned black and obscured the pilot’s vision. Nevertheless, after a lot of effort, the pilot successfully landed the plane in Cincinnati.
But fate had other plans. Before the emergency exits could be opened, the cabin burst into flames and stole the lives of 23 out of the 46 people on board.
That is when it was time to acknowledge the need for smoke detectors, automatic fire extinguishers, floor lighting, the use of fire-resistant materials in plane manufacturing, and fire blocking layers.
The Mid-Air Short Circuit At Long Island
(July 17, 1996)
Everyone is pretty familiar with the dangers of a short circuit resulting from faulty wire installations. People often protect their houses from such dangers by investing in proper wiring and regular inspections. But none of the 230 passengers of TWA flight 800 would have thought that a mid-air short circuit would take their lives.
To an onlookers' horror, the plane that had just taken off from JFK and suddenly exploded in midair.
An investigation revealed that ignition in the fuel tanks resulting from a short circuit in a bunch of wires was responsible for the disaster. This led to drastic measures being taken to diminish faulty wiring in planes.
The Lethal Rio To Paris Journey
(June 1, 2009)
Technology is indeed a blessing, but overdependence on it can reap drastic results. After all, it is a man-made phenomenon and prone to failures. The most deadly manifestation of this principle dawned upon humankind when Air France Flight 447 entered an area of an acute thunderstorm and vanished into thin air.
The wreckage and dead bodies of 228 people were found 2 years later.
Later on, the investigation revealed that the crash resulted from the pilot’s overreliance on automation and the inability to take manual corrective action. The incident prompted a greater focus on pilot training for manual plane operating and educating them to do what they believe is appropriate regardless of what the machine advises.
About Acorn Welding
Boasting a combined experience of about a century, Acorn Welding is a celebrated and reputable aerospace manufacturer and aviation welder in Canada. Our immense experience and profound expertise make us stand apart from the crowd. Contact us to learn more.
