Air India Express Flight 812 was a passenger flight operated by Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India. On May 22, 2010, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft serving the route from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Mangalore, India, crashed while attempting to land at Mangalore International Airport.
Here are the key details regarding the Air India Express Flight 812 crash:
Flight Details: Air India Express Flight 812 was a scheduled international flight. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, a popular narrow-body aircraft used for short to medium-haul flights.
Crash Sequence: During the approach to Mangalore International Airport, the aircraft overshot the runway and crashed into a ravine beyond the runway threshold. The aircraft broke into multiple pieces and caught fire upon impact.
Casualties: The crash resulted in the tragic loss of 158 out of the 166 people on board. There were 160 passengers, including 6 infants, and a crew of 6 members. Only 8 individuals survived the accident.
Investigation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India conducted an investigation into the crash. The investigation focused on various factors, including pilot error, technical failure, and weather conditions.
Probable Cause: The investigation determined that the accident was primarily caused by pilot error. The captain, during the approach, continued the descent below the required altitude, leading to the aircraft striking the hillside. Additionally, inadequate monitoring by the co-pilot and lack of situational awareness were contributing factors.
Runway Design: The design of Mangalore International Airport's tabletop runway, located on a hilltop, was also identified as a contributing factor. The lack of adequate runway-end safety areas (RESAs) meant that there was no buffer zone for an aircraft overshooting the runway.
Safety Improvements: Following the crash, safety measures were implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future. These included improving pilot training, enhancing runway safety infrastructure, and implementing stricter regulations and guidelines.
The Air India Express Flight 812 crash was a tragic incident that led to a significant loss of lives. The investigation identified several factors that contributed to the accident, emphasizing the importance of continuous efforts to improve aviation safety.
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