Aircraft Incident Averted in Close Shave

Aircraft Incident Averted in Close Shave

Light Reading: Aviation Near Misses and Prevention

Aviation near misses are events that, although they don't cause injuries or equipment damage, have the potential to do so. They require thorough reporting to gather data for future analysis. The aim should always be to derive safety improvements, not to punish those involved. In aviation-speak, near misses occur when two or more aircraft come disturbingly close to colliding without actually doing so.

These incidents can take place both on the ground and in the air due to a variety of factors:

• Human error: This is the leading cause of near misses. Pilots may misjudge weather conditions, be fatigued, lack proper training, or disregard standard operating procedures.
• Communication breakdown: Miscommunication between crew members or between crew and air traffic control (ATC) can lead to conflicting actions.
• Air traffic control mistakes: Issues in ATC instructions or monitoring, such as incorrect radar interpretation, failure to detect converging traffic, or delayed instructions, can contribute to close calls.
• Mechanical and maintenance issues: Equipment malfunctions or improper maintenance can increase the risk of in-flight incidents.
• Weather-related factors: Sudden changes in weather or pilot misjudgment of conditions can catch crews off guard.
• Regulatory and procedural violations: Ignoring safety protocols or standard operating procedures can increase the risk of near misses.

Here are a few real-life examples:

Recent Incidents:

• 2017 near-miss in San Francisco: An Air Canada flight came within 100 feet of colliding with a Delta Airlines flight. The Air Canada flight crew aborted their landing at the last second.
• 2019 near-miss in Austin: A FedEx cargo plane came within 50 feet of colliding with a Southwest Airlines passenger plane. The FedEx plane crew aborted their landing at the last second.
• 2022 near-miss over Kauai: A United Airlines flight came within 1,000 feet of colliding with a private jet. The United Airlines flight crew took evasive action at the last second.

To prevent near misses, we can implement measures such as improved pilot training, enhanced maintenance and inspection regimes, and the use of advanced technology for real-time information and alerts. Encouraging and analyzing voluntary safety reports can help us learn from near misses and implement preventive measures before accidents occur.

References and Further Reading:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIA) database
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Near Miss Reporting Program
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
• Flight Safety Foundation, Aviation Safety Network

Enrichment Data:

Common causes of near misses in aviation are largely related to the main factors contributing to actual accidents, as they both frequently stem from similar underlying issues. Here's a breakdown of common causes and preventive measures:

Common Causes of Near Misses

• Human Error
• Pilot error: Mistakes due to weather misjudgment, fatigue, lack of training, or disregard for standard operating procedures can lead to unsafe situations, such as incorrect altitude or heading.
• Communication Breakdown
• Miscommunication between crew or between crew and ATC: Unclear instructions or misunderstandings can result in conflicting actions.
• Air Traffic Control Mistakes
• Issues in ATC instructions or monitoring: Incorrect radar interpretation, failure to detect converging traffic, or delayed instructions can contribute to close calls.
• Mechanical and Maintenance Issues
• Equipment malfunctions or improper maintenance: Faulty instruments, unresolved mechanical problems, or skipped inspections can increase the risk of in-flight incidents.
• Weather-Related Factors
• Unexpected weather changes or pilot misjudgment of conditions: Sudden storms, icing, or poor visibility can catch crews off guard.
• Regulatory and Procedural Violations
• Failure to comply with FAA or other regulatory requirements: Ignoring safety protocols or standard operating procedures can increase the risk of near misses.

Preventive Measures to Minimize Near Misses

• Enhanced Training and Simulation
• Regular training and recurrent assessments for pilots and ATC personnel to ensure familiarity with procedures and emergency responses.
• Standardized Communication Protocols
• Use of clear, standardized phraseology between pilots and ATC to minimize misunderstandings.
• Crew resource management (CRM) training to improve team communication and coordination.
• Improved Maintenance and Inspection Regimes
• Strict adherence to maintenance schedules and use of checklist-based inspections to catch and resolve mechanical issues before they become hazards.
• Advanced Technology and Surveillance
• Implementation of advanced avionics such as collision avoidance systems (TCAS), enhanced weather radar, and automated warning systems to provide pilots with real-time information and alerts.
• Proactive Risk Management
• Pre-flight risk assessments to evaluate weather, route, and aircraft condition before departure.
• Reporting and Analysis of Incidents
• Encouraging and analyzing voluntary safety reports to learn from near misses and implement corrective actions before accidents occur.

By addressing these causes through robust training, clear communication, stringent maintenance, technological aids, and a culture of safety reporting, the aviation industry can significantly reduce the risk of near misses and enhance overall safety.

1. Improper maintenance and aircraft malfunctions can pose a significant risk in aviation, requiring focused attention to ensure flight safety through adherence to maintenance schedules, the implementation of stringent checklist-based inspections, and the use of advanced avionics like collision avoidance systems (TCAS).
2. The aviation industry should craft preventive measures to combat communication breakdown, ensuring clear, standardized phraseology between pilots and air traffic control (ATC) to minimize misunderstandings and miscommunication, thus reducing the frequency of near misses.
3. To minimize near misses and enhance overall safety in the aviation industry, it is crucial to foster a culture of transparency and encourage voluntary safety reporting by implementing programs like the one operated by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – Near Miss Reporting Program, where industry professionals can share experiences, analyze incidents, and develop corrective actions before accidents occur.

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