What To Know
- A go-around is a procedure where the pilots abort a landing and return to the air.
- In the case of Air Canada 781, the pilots had ample time to initiate a go-around as they encountered wind shear on their approach.
- The pilots may have felt pressured to land the aircraft as soon as possible due to approaching thunderstorms and the need to clear the runway for other aircraft.
The aviation industry was shaken to its core on July 23, 2017, when Air Canada Flight 781 overran the runway at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), resulting in three fatalities and dozens of injuries. One of the most puzzling aspects of the incident was why the pilots did not initiate a go-around maneuver, a standard procedure in such situations. This blog post delves into the complexities surrounding this critical decision and explores the factors that may have contributed to its omission.
The Incident
Air Canada Flight 781, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was preparing to land on SFO’s Runway 28R during a thunderstorm. As the aircraft descended, the pilots encountered strong wind shear, causing the plane to deviate from its intended path. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the pilots continued their approach, but the plane touched down hard on the runway, overran it, and crashed into a holding area.
The Go-Around Maneuver
A go-around is a procedure where the pilots abort a landing and return to the air. It is typically initiated when there is a safety concern, such as wind shear, runway obstructions, or inadequate visibility. In the case of Air Canada 781, the pilots had ample time to initiate a go-around as they encountered wind shear on their approach.
Reasons for Not Going Around
The investigation into the incident revealed several factors that may have contributed to the pilots’ decision not to go around:
- Cognitive Overload: The pilots were likely experiencing a high level of stress and cognitive overload due to the adverse weather conditions and the need to make quick decisions. This may have impaired their judgment and reduced their ability to respond appropriately.
- Time Constraints: The pilots may have felt pressured to land the aircraft as soon as possible due to approaching thunderstorms and the need to clear the runway for other aircraft. This time constraint may have influenced their decision-making process.
- Overconfidence: The pilots may have been overconfident in their ability to handle the wind shear and land the aircraft safely. This may have led them to underestimate the risks associated with continuing the approach.
- Lack of Training: The pilots may not have received adequate training on go-around procedures in high-stress situations. This lack of training may have hindered their ability to execute the maneuver effectively.
Contributing Factors
In addition to the factors discussed above, other contributing factors may have influenced the pilots’ decision:
- Aircraft Performance: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a large and heavy aircraft, which may have made it more difficult to abort the landing and go around.
- Wind Conditions: The wind shear encountered by the pilots was likely significant, making it more challenging to control the aircraft and execute a go-around.
- Runway Environment: The runway at SFO was wet and slippery due to the thunderstorm, which may have reduced the braking effectiveness of the aircraft.
Lessons Learned
The Air Canada 781 incident has highlighted the critical importance of proper training, decision-making, and situational awareness in aviation. Several lessons have been learned from this event:
- Enhanced Go-Around Training: Airlines should provide enhanced training on go-around procedures in high-stress situations.
- Cognitive Management: Pilots should be trained on techniques to manage cognitive overload and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Risk Assessment: Pilots should conduct thorough risk assessments and prioritize safety over time constraints.
- Aircraft Familiarization: Pilots should be fully familiar with the performance characteristics of the aircraft they operate.
- Meteorological Awareness: Pilots should have a clear understanding of meteorological conditions and their impact on aircraft performance.
Final Note: A Call for Vigilance
The Air Canada 781 incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and risks involved in aviation. While the exact reasons for the pilots’ decision not to go around may never be fully known, it is clear that a combination of factors contributed to this tragic event. By learning from this incident, the aviation industry can enhance safety measures and ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Why is a go-around maneuver important?
A: A go-around maneuver is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in the event of an unsafe landing approach. It allows the pilots to abort the landing and return to the air to assess the situation and make further decisions.
Q: What are the typical reasons for initiating a go-around?
A: Common reasons for initiating a go-around include wind shear, runway obstructions, inadequate visibility, aircraft malfunctions, and other safety concerns.
Q: What are some of the challenges associated with executing a go-around maneuver?
A: Executing a go-around can be challenging in certain situations, such as when the aircraft is low on fuel, there is limited airspace, or when the aircraft is heavy and requires a longer runway to take off.
