Air India Plane Crash – Full Details, Causes, and Aftermath

 Air India Plane Crash – Full Details, Causes, and Aftermath

Introduction

Air travel is widely regarded as one of the safest modes of transportation, yet when tragedy strikes, it captures global attention. One such tragic incident was the Air India plane crash. This devastating event not only led to a significant loss of life but also raised critical questions about aviation safety. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the Air India plane crash, examining the events leading up to it, potential causes, the response, and its aftermath.

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Overview of the Air India Plane Crash

The Air India plane crash occurred on August 7, 2020, when Air India Express Flight IX 1344 overshot the runway at Kozhikode International Airport (Calicut) in Kerala, India. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was repatriating Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Vande Bharat Mission.

The flight had originated from Dubai and was carrying 190 people, including passengers and crew members. Upon landing in heavy rainfall, the aircraft skidded off the tabletop runway, broke into two pieces, and came to rest in a valley about 35 feet deep. Tragically, 21 people lost their lives, including both pilots.

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Timeline of Events

• August 7, 2020 – 7:41 PM IST: Flight IX 1344 attempts to land at Calicut airport amidst challenging weather conditions.

• The aircraft touches down on runway 10 but fails to decelerate due to the wet runway surface.

• The plane overruns the runway, plunges into a gorge, and breaks into two.

• Emergency response teams arrive promptly to evacuate passengers and administer aid.

• Survivors are transported to nearby hospitals in Kozhikode and Malappuram.

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Causes of the Air India Plane Crash

Aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single failure. The crash of Air India Express Flight IX 1344 involved a combination of factors:

1. Weather Conditions

The flight attempted a landing during heavy monsoon rain. The poor visibility and slippery runway surface significantly contributed to the aircraft's inability to stop.

2. Runway Choice

The plane landed on runway 10, which has a shorter available stopping distance and a steep drop at the end. The alternate runway 28, which offers a longer landing strip and better safety buffer, was not chosen, possibly due to wind direction or pilot discretion.

3. Tabletop Runway Risk

Kozhikode airport has a tabletop runway, meaning it is located on a plateau or hill, surrounded by deep gorges. This increases the risk of overshoot accidents, as there is limited space beyond the runway for overrun.

4. Pilot Judgment

While both pilots were experienced, questions arose about the decision to land under such adverse weather conditions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously issued advisories on landing risks at tabletop runways.

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Investigation and Findings

Following the accident, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) launched a thorough investigation. The final report, published in 2021, concluded:

• The probable cause of the crash was the non-adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the pilots.

• The pilot in command continued the approach despite unstable parameters.

• The aircraft touched down significantly beyond the touchdown zone, reducing braking distance.

• Lack of proper runway friction measurements also contributed, as the wet runway was not classified for such conditions at the time.

The report also pointed to systemic issues in training, weather briefing, and risk management protocols.

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Casualties and Survivors

Of the 190 people on board, 21 were killed, including Captain Deepak Sathe, a former Indian Air Force pilot, and First Officer Akhilesh Kumar. Over 100 passengers were injured, some critically. Due to quick action from the rescue teams, many lives were saved. Local residents, airport staff, and the Indian Air Force played a critical role in immediate evacuation efforts.

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Government and Airline Response

After the crash, several government agencies responded swiftly:

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced compensation for victims and their families.

• Air India Express launched internal safety audits and reviewed operating procedures.

• The DGCA issued stricter guidelines for operating at tabletop runways and in adverse weather.

• Airport authorities were directed to enhance runway friction testing and safety zone clearances.

The Indian government also expressed condolences and honored the bravery of the pilots and emergency responders.

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Global Reactions and Aviation Industry Impact

The Air India plane crash sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry. While repatriation flights were a necessity during the pandemic, the incident highlighted the strain on airlines and crews operating under exceptional circumstances. International aviation bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety procedures, especially during humanitarian missions.

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Legal and Regulatory Outcomes

Legal proceedings followed, with families of victims seeking adequate compensation. Discussions also arose about revising aviation liability laws in India. The crash prompted the DGCA and other aviation bodies to:

• Reinforce training for adverse weather landings.

• Introduce stricter oversight for flight dispatch and pilot decision-making.

• Review the suitability of tabletop runways at high-traffic airports.

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Lessons Learned

The Air India plane crash is a stark reminder of the critical role of safety compliance in aviation. Key lessons include:

• The importance of pilot training in real-time judgment and weather assessment.

• The necessity of better runway infrastructure, especially at high-risk airports.

• The role of emergency preparedness in minimizing fatalities.

• The a need for stronger regulatory oversight to ensure aviation safety is never compromised.

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Memorials and Tributes

In honor of the victims, memorial services were held across India, particularly in Kerala and Maharashtra. Families and survivors have since created forums to support one another and advocate for improved aviation safety. The bravery of Captain Deepak Sathe and his crew has been widely commemorated in the media and by aviation professionals.

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Conclusion

The Air India plane crash remains one of the most tragic aviation accidents in recent Indian history. While it exposed significant vulnerabilities in aviation operations during crisis conditions, it also served as a wake-up call to improve safety protocols, training, and infrastructure. As aviation continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this incident will remain crucial in ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.