Why in News?
- An aircraft crashed during a second landing attempt in poor visibility, raising concerns about inadequate airstrip infrastructure, ATC limitations, weather assessment failures, and systemic aviation safety gaps at non-major airports.
Relevance
GS Paper III – Infrastructure & Disaster Management
- Aviation safety standards, DGCA oversight, airport infrastructure adequacy.
- Risks in regional airport expansion under connectivity schemes.
- Role of AAIB and systemic accident investigation.
What is a Landing Attempt?
Normal Landing
- A landing involves controlled descent using visual references or instruments, guided by Air Traffic Control (ATC), runway markings, navigational aids, and real-time meteorological information.
Missed Approach / Go-Around
- If runway visibility, alignment, or descent parameters are unsafe, pilots abort landing and execute a go-around, climbing back to reassess conditions and attempt another landing.
What is Poor Visibility?
Causes of Poor Visibility
- Fog, rain, haze, low cloud ceiling, and night conditions reduce pilot visibility, requiring instrument-based landing systems instead of visual judgment.
Visibility Thresholds
- Each runway has a minimum visibility requirement, below which landing is prohibited unless supported by advanced systems like Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Why Second Landing Attempts Are Risky
Increased Pilot Workload
Cognitive and Physical Stress
- A second landing attempt increases pilot fatigue, decision pressure, and situational stress, especially when fuel, weather, and terrain constraints tighten simultaneously.
Narrow Error Margins
- Repeated approaches reduce margins for error in altitude control, descent angle, and runway alignment, particularly in mountainous or obstacle-heavy terrain.
Role of Infrastructure Deficiency
Absence of Instrument Landing System
- Without ILS or precision approach aids, pilots rely on visual cues and limited guidance, which is unsafe during fog or low visibility conditions.
Rudimentary ATC Setup
- Airstrips with basic ATC operated by flying schools lack advanced radar, weather monitoring, and approach guidance essential during adverse conditions.
Institutional and Regulatory Failures
Absence of Dedicated Meteorologist
- Lack of an on-site meteorologist prevents accurate real-time weather forecasting, increasing risk during rapidly deteriorating visibility.
Inadequate Weather Updates
- Pilots depend on timely weather advisories; outdated or incomplete data can lead to incorrect landing decisions.
Safety Preparedness Deficits
Firefighting and Emergency Response
- Absence of full-scale firefighting and rescue services violates safety norms, increasing fatalities when crashes occur.
VIP Movement vs Infrastructure Mismatch
- Frequent VIP flights without commensurate infrastructure upgrades reflect policy complacency and regulatory inconsistency.
Role of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
Mandate of AAIB
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau investigates crashes to determine causes, not to assign blame.
Focus Areas of Probe
- AAIB examines pilot actions, ATC communication, weather data, aircraft condition, and regulatory compliance to identify systemic failures.
Aviation Safety Governance
Regional Airport Expansion Risks
- Rapid expansion of regional airports under connectivity schemes risks outpacing safety infrastructure, increasing accident probability.
Civil Aviation Regulation
- The incident highlights gaps in DGCA oversight, certification standards, and enforcement of minimum safety requirements.
Federal and Administrative Accountability
Centre–State Coordination
- Aviation safety requires coordination between civil aviation authorities, state governments, and local administrations, especially for emergency preparedness.
