When many people think about plane crashes, they envision an aircraft plummeting from the sky. However, most aviation accidents actually happen when an aircraft is much closer to the ground, such as during taxiing, taking off, and landing.
How Do Airport Runway Accidents Happen?
Taxi, takeoff, and landing all have one thing in common: they involve close proximity to the runway. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the number of accidents by risk category is greater for runway accidents than Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents and Loss of Control - Inflight (LOC-I) accidents.
Most aviation accidents occur on or near the runway for several reasons. One main reason is that takeoff and landing require more action from the pilots than any other part of the flight. During takeoff and landing, the aircraft is moving at a reduced rate of speed either on the runway or in close proximity to the runway, leaving pilots with little time to react should any issues arise. Other reasons include:
- A plane traveling at slower speeds during takeoff and landing also involves a higher angle of attack, especially during a final turn on approach. This makes the aircraft potentially susceptible to a stall.
- Planes are closer to one another when taking off or landing at an airport. This is particularly true at more congested airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and other major hubs. When planes are close together, accidents may occur.
It is not just the planes’ location that contributes to runway accidents. Other factors may include:
- Pilot error
- Air traffic controller error
- Mechanical failure
- Maintenance error
- Bad weather
Injured in an Aviation Accident? Contact Us Today
In the aftermath of an aviation accident, you may think you have no chance of obtaining justice against a major airline or aircraft manufacturer. However, with the right team on your side, you may be able to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Wisner Baum, we’re well-versed in aviation accident cases and we have helped many clients hold airlines and aircraft manufacturers accountable for their actions. Learn if we can help you, too.
Call Wisner Baum at (855) 948-5098 to schedule a free consultation.
