Amidst the recent slew of plane crashes in the United States and Canada, the state of the aviation industry is being closely scrutinised. Earlier this week, a Delta Airlines flight crashed and overturned in Toronto Pearson Airport, Canada. Reportedly, a team of over 20 Canadian investigators are leading the probe into the jet operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary and are getting assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and regulators Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
In the midst of this latest crash, Southwest Airlines on Monday, announced that it would be laying off 1,750 employees at the company’s Dallas Love Field HQ. It looks like airlines are cutting costs while sacrificing manpower when manpower is sorely needed in the embattled industry.
READ: Indian American woman killed in Long Island plane crash (March 7, 2023)
Plane crashes can occur for a lot of reasons, let us explore a few.
The frequency of plane crashes, though still rare, has seemed to be on the rise in recent years. While aviation is one of the safest modes of transport overall, an increase in incidents could be attributed to a range of factors. These include technological issues, human error, more air traffic, and economic pressures.
However, it’s important to understand that the statistics for air crashes are generally misleading when it comes to interpreting trends in aviation safety, and there are many variables that need to be considered.
Increased Air Traffic
One of the most significant factors contributing to a perceived rise in plane crashes is the increase in air traffic. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more people are flying than ever before. The rapid global expansion of budget airlines and the growth of tourism, combined with the global recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increase in the number of flights worldwide. With more planes in the sky, even a small percentage of incidents might result in a higher overall number of accidents.
The rise in air traffic, especially in crowded airspace near major hubs, can increase the risk of mid-air collisions, runway accidents, or incidents during takeoff and landing. While aviation technology such as collision avoidance systems and air traffic control advancements have made a significant impact, the complexity of managing such high volumes of aircraft still presents challenges.
Technological Issues
Another factor that might explain an uptick in crashes is technological issues, though these are relatively rare. Modern aircraft are equipped with increasingly complex systems, which in theory should improve safety. However, the increased reliance on advanced technology also comes with the risk of malfunctions or system failures, especially when software errors are involved.
For example, the 2019 crashes of the Boeing 737 Max, caused by a design flaw in the aircraft’s software system, highlighted how critical reliance on automated systems can be, and how errors in these systems can have catastrophic results. The 737 Max crashes in particular are often cited as an example of how technological advancement, when rushed, can inadvertently increase the risk of accidents.
Furthermore, while aircraft technology has evolved, some older models are still in operation, and older planes are more susceptible to wear and tear, especially if they have not been properly maintained or upgraded. These technical challenges, paired with the complexities of newer technologies, mean that accidents can still happen even in an age of sophisticated flight systems.
Human Error
Human error has been the leading cause of aviation accidents for decades, and while automation has reduced pilot workload, the issue remains a significant factor. The most tragic crashes often involve a combination of human mistakes, miscommunications, or decision-making under stress. In recent times, training gaps or misinterpretations of new technology may lead to poor decision-making.
Pilot error, for example, played a role in several recent incidents, including the crash of Air France Flight 447 in 2009 and the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014. Even with extensive training, human judgment can still be influenced by factors such as fatigue, stress, or the pressures of operating in complex, high-stress environments.
Economic Pressures and Cost-Cutting
Cost-cutting in the aviation industry has been another significant factor. Airlines are under increasing financial pressure, which sometimes leads to cuts in safety practices, staff training, or equipment maintenance. In a highly competitive market, where low-cost carriers are continually battling for market share, there’s a risk that economic pressures may result in safety compromises. For example, some budget airlines have been criticized for skimping on maintenance schedules or not paying competitive salaries to pilots and maintenance crews, potentially leading to lapses in safety practices. While the majority of airline incidents are not directly linked to cost-cutting, some accidents have been attributed to lapses in maintenance and safety protocols.
Environmental Factors
In addition to technological and human factors, environmental conditions have also contributed to recent plane crashes. Extreme weather events, such as storms, poor visibility, and turbulence, can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially during takeoff or landing. As climate change exacerbates extreme weather patterns, some experts predict that weather-related aviation risks could increase in the future.
READ: Indian American doctor killed in plane crash had passion for flying (October 14, 2021)
While the number of plane crashes may seem to have increased, it’s essential to look at the data from a broader perspective. The overall accident rate has been steadily decreasing over the last few decades, with the number of fatalities per mile flown dropping significantly. The aviation industry is continuously improving its safety standards and protocols.
However, the combination of increased air traffic, technological malfunctions, human error, economic pressures, and environmental factors contribute to the complexity of air travel safety. The key takeaway is that while plane crashes may receive more attention due to their rarity and devastating consequences, aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation. With ongoing advancements in technology, training, and regulation, the industry will continue to work toward reducing the risk of accidents even further.