While air travel remains the safest mode of transportation, the year 2024 has been marked by a series of aviation mishaps that have shaken global confidence. With advancements in technology and stringent safety measures, such incidents highlight vulnerabilities that still persist in modern aviation.
The Odds Versus Reality
According to the National Safety Council, the probability of being involved in a plane crash stands at 1 in 11 million. Despite these reassuring odds, 2024 has witnessed numerous tragic aviation incidents, underscoring the challenges of landing phases, mechanical failures, and environmental hazards.
Tailstrikes: Structural Risks
Tailstrikes, where the aircraft’s tail contacts the runway, have been prominent this year. Notable incidents include a China Southern 787-9 tailstrike in October and an Air France A350-941 tailstrike in January. While fatalities are rare in such cases, these mishaps cause significant structural damage and operational delays.
Hard Landings and Runway Mishaps
Hard landings, often caused by adverse weather or wind shear, have led to severe outcomes. Jeju Air’s catastrophic gear-up landing in December resulted in 173 fatalities, while aircraft veering off runways, like the Serve Air Cargo overrun in May, exposed vulnerabilities in crosswind and braking management.
Ground Collisions
Collisions during taxiing or on runways further demonstrated lapses in procedural adherence and visibility challenges. The September collision at Atlanta Airport and the January incident at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport are notable examples, highlighting the risks of operational oversights.
Mechanical Failures: A Persistent Threat
Mechanical issues remain a recurring problem, as seen in the Total Linhas Aéreas cargo fire in November and Transair’s runway overshoot in May. These incidents emphasize the need for improved maintenance protocols and predictive technologies to mitigate risks.
Notable 2024 Aviation Disasters
- Jeju Air Tragedy (December 29): A Boeing 737-800 crash-landed in South Korea, claiming 173 lives.
- Azerbaijan Airlines Crash (December 25): An Embraer 190 accident in Kazakhstan killed 42 people.
- DHL Cargo Crash (November 25): A Boeing 737-400F crashed in Lithuania, resulting in one fatality.
- Twin Otter Crash (October 20): A SAM Air aircraft crash in Indonesia led to four fatalities.
- Russian Ilyushin Disaster (January 24): A crash in Belgorod, Russia, resulted in 74 deaths.
While aviation remains statistically safe, the incidents of 2024 highlight areas requiring improvement. From pilot training to technological advancements and stricter maintenance practices, these tragedies serve as a reminder that continuous vigilance is essential to safeguarding the skies.
