According to the National Safety Council, a person is at least a thousand times safer from suffering a fatal accident on a scheduled flight than in a passenger car. This safety in aviation strongly depends on established systems and protocols designed to keep an aircraft safe. What happens if safety hazards are left unchecked to jeopardize this safety?
Just about 17 days after the tragic American Airlines jet and helicopter collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people, a passenger jet from Minnesota crashed in Toronto Pearson International Airport, leaving 18 injured. Understanding common safety issues that cause plane accidents is crucial in making the aviation industry safer and more reliable.
Pilot Error
Pilot error is the no. 1 cause of fatal aviation accidents. Loss of control in flight is the leading cause of aviation fatalities, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This happens when the pilot fails to maintain or regain control of the plane. Looking at data from 2012 to 2021, the NSTB findings reveal that more than 5000 accidents can be linked to aircraft control.
An example of pilot error leading to an accident is the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 that killed 265 people back in 2001, where investigations found that a co-pilot improperly used the rudder in response to turbulence.
Mechanical Failures
In 2022, five Marines aboard a V-22 Osprey were killed after a clutch malfunction that caused engine failure and, ultimately, a crash. This has led the families of the Marines to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Boeing, Rolls Royce, and Bell Textron in 2024.
Notably, the Osprey had a a history of similar mechanical issues involved in other incidents, highlighting the dangers of mechanical failure issues when they are left unchecked. If an airline company has been found negligent or if a manufacturer has been found to misrepresent the safety and design of the aircraft, these companies may be held liable.
Weather and Wildlife
Weather conditions and obstructions, like birds, make flying more dangerous. Storms and fog can decrease visibility, which may affect a pilot's decision-making and steady control of the plane. Bird strikes are also a common issue, as they can be sucked into an engine or crash into windshields, which may prompt emergency situations.
In tragic times, our knowledge of common safety issues that cause aviation accidents may hold the key to seeking justice and accountability for any loss suffered by victims of negligence.
Get In Touch With Us for a Free Evaluation of Your Case
A person affected by an airplane crash may be eligible to take action against the following parties:
- the pilot
- the airline
- the airplane manufacturer
If the negligence of any of these parties had been proven to have caused the injury or wrongful death, you may be eligible for compensation.
Get in touch with our Miami aviation attorney at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary to get a free evaluation of your case.