Indian Airlines Flight 605: The Bangalore Air Disaster

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Indian Airlines Flight 605: The Bangalore Air Disaster

Let's dive into a detailed look at the tragic story of Indian Airlines Flight 605, also known as the 1990 Bangalore air disaster. This event remains a significant case study in aviation history, highlighting the critical role of pilot judgment and the unforgiving nature of landing errors. We'll explore the sequence of events, the investigation, and the lasting impact of this unfortunate incident.

The Fateful Approach

On February 14, 1990, Indian Airlines Flight 605, an Airbus A320-200, was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Mumbai to Bangalore. The flight was carrying 146 people–140 passengers and 6 crew members. As the aircraft approached Bangalore's HAL Airport, visibility was clear, but the wind was gusty. The pilots commenced a standard landing procedure, but things quickly went wrong.

The initial approach seemed normal, but the aircraft was flying higher than the standard glide path. At 3,000 feet, the pilots realized they were too high and initiated a steeper descent to correct their altitude. This rapid descent increased the aircraft's speed, causing it to approach the runway faster than recommended. As the plane neared the runway threshold, it was still too high, leading to a delayed touchdown. Touchdown occurred approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) down the 9,000-foot runway. With limited runway remaining, the pilots initiated a go-around, attempting to abort the landing and circle around for another try. Unfortunately, this decision came too late.

The Crash

The pilots applied full power to execute the go-around, but the aircraft's landing gear was still on the ground. The engines, not yet fully spooled up, provided insufficient thrust for a successful climb. The Airbus A320, with its advanced fly-by-wire system, struggled to gain altitude. The plane briefly became airborne but failed to clear an embankment just beyond the runway. The aircraft crashed into a golf course, bursting into flames upon impact. The scene was chaotic, with wreckage scattered across the area and emergency services rushing to the site.

Tragically, 92 of the 146 people on board perished in the crash. Among the victims were passengers and crew members, leaving behind grieving families and a nation in shock. The accident prompted a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes and contributing factors.

Investigation and Findings

A Court of Inquiry was established to investigate the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605. The investigation team meticulously examined the flight data recorders (black boxes), cockpit voice recorder, and the wreckage of the aircraft. They also interviewed surviving passengers, air traffic controllers, and airline personnel. The inquiry focused on several key areas, including the pilots' actions, the aircraft's performance, and the prevailing weather conditions.

The investigation revealed a series of critical errors and contributing factors. The primary cause of the accident was attributed to the pilots' failure to adhere to standard operating procedures during the approach and landing. Their initial misjudgment of altitude, followed by a steep descent and delayed go-around, created an unrecoverable situation.

Specifically, the inquiry highlighted these key findings:

  • Delayed Go-Around: The pilots initiated the go-around procedure too late, when insufficient runway remained for a safe takeoff.
  • Inadequate Thrust: The engines had not reached full power during the attempted go-around, resulting in insufficient thrust to clear the obstacle beyond the runway.
  • Poor Altitude Management: The initial high approach and subsequent steep descent indicated a lack of precise altitude control.
  • Wind Shear: While the weather was generally clear, the presence of gusty winds may have contributed to the difficulty of the approach.
  • Pilot Error: Overall, the accident was primarily attributed to pilot error in judgment and execution.

The Court of Inquiry also examined the role of the aircraft's fly-by-wire system. While the Airbus A320 was equipped with advanced technology, the investigation found no evidence that the system malfunctioned or contributed to the crash. Instead, the pilots' actions overrode the system's intended safety features.

Aftermath and Impact

The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 had a profound impact on the aviation industry in India. It led to a comprehensive review of pilot training procedures, air traffic control practices, and safety regulations. The accident also raised awareness about the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures and the critical role of pilot judgment in ensuring flight safety.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Indian Airlines implemented several measures to enhance safety, including:

  • Enhanced Pilot Training: Increased emphasis on simulator training, focusing on non-precision approaches, go-around procedures, and handling adverse weather conditions.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Reinforcement of SOPs and strict adherence to established guidelines for all phases of flight.
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM): Improved CRM training to enhance communication and coordination among flight crew members.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures: Review and refinement of ATC procedures to provide better support and guidance to pilots during critical phases of flight.

The crash also had a lasting impact on the families of the victims. Many survivors and relatives of the deceased sought compensation from the airline and filed lawsuits alleging negligence. The legal battles dragged on for years, adding to the emotional distress and grief of those affected by the tragedy.

Lessons Learned

The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures, maintaining situational awareness, and exercising sound judgment in aviation. Several crucial lessons emerged from this tragic event:

  1. Adherence to SOPs: Strict adherence to standard operating procedures is paramount for ensuring flight safety. Deviations from established guidelines can lead to errors and increase the risk of accidents.
  2. Pilot Judgment: Pilot judgment is critical, especially during challenging situations such as adverse weather conditions or non-standard approaches. Pilots must make timely and informed decisions based on available information.
  3. Crew Resource Management: Effective communication and coordination among flight crew members are essential for maintaining situational awareness and preventing errors. CRM training can enhance teamwork and improve overall flight safety.
  4. Go-Around Decision: A timely go-around decision can prevent accidents during unstable approaches. Pilots should not hesitate to abort a landing if conditions are not ideal.
  5. Continuous Training: Continuous training and proficiency checks are necessary to ensure that pilots maintain their skills and knowledge. Regular simulator training can help pilots practice handling various scenarios and emergencies.

Conclusion

The Bangalore air disaster involving Indian Airlines Flight 605 was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of many lives. The accident underscored the critical role of pilot judgment, adherence to standard operating procedures, and the importance of continuous training in ensuring flight safety. The lessons learned from this disaster have contributed to significant improvements in aviation safety practices in India and around the world. As we remember the victims and honor their memory, let us also reaffirm our commitment to making air travel as safe as possible.

By understanding the contributing factors and implementing preventive measures, the aviation industry can continue to learn from past mistakes and strive for a future where such tragedies are avoided. This detailed examination of Indian Airlines Flight 605 serves as a valuable case study for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals alike, emphasizing the constant need for vigilance, adherence to safety protocols, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in aviation safety.

This event not only changed aviation protocols in India but also served as a somber reminder worldwide about the critical balance between technology and human expertise in the skies. It highlights the ever-present need for rigorous training, unwavering adherence to procedure, and the vital role of seasoned judgment in the cockpit.