Embedded Files
Cases of airliner crashes- should we blame the pilots or the plane?
Air France Flight 296 (1988)
Air France Flight 296 (1988)
The new Airbus A320-111 (the first civilian fly-by-wire) crashed while making a low pass as part of the Habsheim Air Show. Investigations determined that pilots were at fault and Air France officials were charged with involuntary manslaughter. The pilots blamed the fly-by-wire system and there were allegations that investigators had tampered with the flight recorders.
Air France Flight 447 (2009)
Air France Flight 447 (2009)
Over the Atlantic Ocean, the Airbus A330 stalled and crashed. It was determined that the pitot tubes (which help determine velocity) had frozen over, causing the autopilot to disengage and leading the pilots to panic. The captain continuously pulled the plane up, leading to the stall. Investigations determined that the pilots were at fault and cases against Airbus were dropped.
XL Airways Germany Flight 888T (2008)
XL Airways Germany Flight 888T (2008)
This is an interesting case, as the AOA sensors also malfunctioned in this case. The pilots were blamed for not realizing the issue and relying too much on the automated systems. They conducted an improvised test on the AOA warning system, disregarded proper speed limits, and eventually stalled.
Singapore Airlines Flight 006 (2000)
Singapore Airlines Flight 006 (2000)
This was a fatal crash involving a Boeing 747-400. The pilots attempted to take off from the wrong runway during a typhoon, crashing into construction equipment on the runway. No charges were pressed against the pilots but they were fired.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse