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The Air India Express Flight 812 crash, which occurred on May 22, 2020, at Kozhikode Airport, remains a poignant reminder of the inherent risks in aviation. The subsequent investigation, meticulously pieced together by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has shed light on a sequence of events that led to the tragic loss of life. This detailed report delves into the key findings of the AAIB investigation, focusing on the critical seconds before impact, the pilots' responses, and the contributing factors that ultimately led to the catastrophic accident.

The Catastrophic Seconds: Fuel Control Shutoff and Runway Overrun

The investigation revealed a chilling account of the final moments of Flight 812. The Boeing 737-800, operating a repatriation flight amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, attempted a landing on the notoriously challenging tabletop runway at Kozhikode. The aircraft, carrying mainly Indian nationals returning from Dubai, overshot the runway, resulting in a dramatic plunge into a deep gorge.

Key Events Leading to the Crash:

• High Approach Speed: The investigation concluded that the aircraft approached the runway at a higher-than-recommended speed, exceeding the established limits for a safe landing. This elevated speed significantly reduced the pilot's margin for error.

• Poor Visibility: Adverse weather conditions, including poor visibility and gusty winds, added layers of complexity to the already challenging landing. This impacted the pilots' situational awareness and decision-making during the crucial final approach.

• Tabletop Runway: Kozhikode's unique tabletop runway, with a significant drop-off at the end, amplified the risks associated with a runway overrun. This inherent design feature played a significant role in the severity of the crash.

• Fuel Control Shutoff (Seconds Before Impact): Perhaps the most crucial finding centered around the fuel control shutoff. The report indicated that the fuel control was shut off seconds before impact, potentially hindering the pilots' ability to maintain engine power and potentially affecting the aircraft's handling. The exact circumstances leading to this shutoff remain a subject of analysis and debate amongst aviation experts.

• Failed Go-Around Attempt: Despite the deteriorating situation, the pilots made an attempt at a go-around maneuver – a procedure designed to abort the landing. However, the speed and proximity to the ground, coupled with the potentially compromised engine power, rendered this attempt unsuccessful.

Pilots' MAYDAY Call and Subsequent Actions

The pilots' actions during the critical moments leading up to the crash have been a focal point of the AAIB investigation. While the report doesn't explicitly place blame, it meticulously examines their decisions and response to the rapidly deteriorating situation.

Analysis of Pilot Response:

• Late MAYDAY Call: The timing of the MAYDAY call, issued only moments before impact, has been scrutinized. Experts are debating whether a more timely distress call might have altered the outcome, though the chaotic situation and the rapid succession of events make such conclusions difficult to ascertain definitively.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure: The intense pressure of attempting a landing in challenging conditions and the inherent limitations of the runway likely significantly influenced the pilots' decision-making process. The report acknowledged the immense stress experienced by the flight crew in these circumstances.

• Crew Resource Management (CRM): While the report highlights the pilots' experienced flight hours, it also analyzes the effectiveness of Crew Resource Management (CRM) during the critical phase. CRM encompasses the communication, coordination, and shared decision-making among the flight crew, an essential element in mitigating risks in high-pressure situations.

Contributing Factors: Weather, Runway Design, and Human Error

The AAIB investigation painstakingly identified several contributing factors that combined to create a perfect storm leading to the tragic outcome:

• Adverse Weather: The prevailing weather conditions at the time of the incident were undoubtedly a major contributing factor. The heavy rainfall, poor visibility, and wind gusts significantly impaired the pilots’ ability to execute a safe landing.

• Runway Design: The inherent design of the tabletop runway, known to present significant challenges for pilots, played a significant role. Its proximity to a steep decline amplified the consequences of a runway overrun.

• Human Factors: The investigation also acknowledged the influence of human factors, encompassing the pilots' decision-making, the effectiveness of communication within the cockpit, and the overall management of the approach. It emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in pilot training and CRM.

Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The Air India Express Flight 812 crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols, meticulous pilot training, and continuous improvements in aviation infrastructure. The findings of the AAIB report highlight the need for:

• Improved Training Programs: Enhanced pilot training to handle challenging landing conditions, particularly on unconventional runways.

• Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems: The use of advanced pilot assistance systems, including enhanced flight guidance and automatic landing systems, to reduce the workload on the crew and mitigate risks during difficult approaches.

• Runway Safety Assessments: Regular reassessments of runway designs, particularly those with inherent challenges, to minimize risks and enhance safety.

• Strengthening CRM: Continuous improvement in Crew Resource Management training to enhance communication, coordination, and shared decision-making within the cockpit.

The Air India Express Flight 812 crash investigation remains a comprehensive and essential contribution to aviation safety. By analyzing the events leading up to the crash, the AAIB has provided valuable insights that can help improve aviation safety standards globally. The lessons learned from this tragedy underscore the critical need for continuous vigilance, technological advancements, and unwavering commitment to safety in the aviation industry to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This rigorous investigation provides valuable lessons for all stakeholders in the global aviation community.