PM IAS EDITORIAL ANALYSIS – DEC 30

Editorial #1: Aviation Safety in India – Repeated Incidents and Systemic Challenges

Context: The frequent recurrence of serious aviation incidents in India underscores deficiencies in regulatory oversight, pilot training, and systemic accountability. The recent incident on December 5, 2024, involving an Air India Airbus A320 at Goa’s Mopa airport, where the crew attempted takeoff from a taxiway instead of the main runway, highlights persistent issues such as runway confusion. This is indicative of larger failures in India’s aviation safety mechanisms.

Historical Incidents of Runway Confusion by Indian Airlines

• 1993: A Jet Airways Boeing 737 landed at Sulur airbase instead of Peelamedu airport.
• 2002: A Jet Airways Boeing 737 landed on a taxi track at Dabolim airport, Goa.
• 2007: A SpiceJet Boeing 737 landed on the wrong runway in Delhi.
• 2008 & 2009: Similar incidents occurred with SpiceJet and Jetlite flights in Kolkata.
• 2018: Air India and Jet Airways faced incidents of wrong runway landings in the Maldives and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• 2020: A SpiceJet Boeing 737 had a hard touchdown in Guwahati, Assam.

Despite a long history of such errors, corrective measures by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airlines have been inadequate, leading to repeated occurrences.

Accountability and the Role of Regulatory Bodies

1. DGCA and Systemic Failures:
   • The DGCA has consistently blamed pilots while evading responsibility for lapses in training and oversight.
   • ICAO’s Annex 13 mandates investigations into accidents and incidents to identify causes and implement preventive measures, yet India has failed to uphold these standards effectively.
2. Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC):
   • Despite recommendations following the 2010 Mangaluru crash, incidents persist due to inadequate implementation of safety protocols.
3. International Comparisons:
   • Singapore Airlines’ corrective actions post a 2000 crash in Taiwan demonstrate how robust safety measures can prevent future incidents. India could adopt a similar proactive approach.

Repeated Accidents and Safety Oversights

• Runway Excursions: Airlines in India have faced multiple incidents involving high-speed landings and runway overruns, resulting in significant aircraft damage:
  • 2005: Air Sahara Boeing 737 at Mumbai.
  • 2015: SpiceJet DH8-D at Hubli.
  • 2019: SpiceJet Boeing 737 at Mumbai.
• Fatalities and Hull Losses:
  • The Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020) crashes alone resulted in 179 fatalities.
• Deficiencies in Audits:
  • The DGCA and Airports Authority of India’s safety audits have consistently failed to address critical infrastructural and procedural deficiencies.

Systemic Pressures on Pilots

1. Flight and Duty Time Limitations:
   • India has some of the weakest regulations globally regarding crew duty hours, leading to fatigue and errors.
2. On-Time Performance (OTP) Pressure:
   • Airlines prioritize OTP metrics, creating undue pressure on pilots, contributing to errors in decision-making and cockpit resource management.
3. Case Studies:
   • Kozhikode Crash: The captain, under time pressure, ignored calls to abort landing.
   • Mangaluru Crash: Similar circumstances saw critical warnings from the co-pilot disregarded.

Training and Knowledge Deficiencies

1. Runway Confusion:
   • The recent Mopa incident demonstrates inadequate understanding of runway markings and stabilization approach criteria by pilots.
2. Airline Training:
   • Airlines’ training programs need urgent reform to address persistent gaps in safety protocols and crew knowledge.

Recommendations for Improvement

1. Strengthen Regulatory Oversight:
   • The DGCA must be held accountable for implementing ICAO standards and conducting comprehensive safety audits.
2. Focus on Pilot Training:
   • Enhance training modules to address critical knowledge gaps, such as runway markings and approach criteria.
3. Address Crew Fatigue:
   • Implement stricter flight and duty time regulations to ensure adequate rest for pilots and cabin crew.
4. Independent Investigations:
   • Set up an independent body to investigate aviation incidents and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
5. Adopt International Best Practices:
   • Learn from global leaders like Singapore Airlines in adopting robust safety measures and fostering a culture of accountability.

Conclusion

India must move away from the adage, “If a pilot is alive, blame him. If he is dead, bury him.” Safety in aviation cannot be compromised, and systemic issues such as poor oversight, inadequate training, and undue pressure on crew must be addressed comprehensively. Aviation safety is non-negotiable, and urgent reforms are essential to ensure the trust and safety of passengers.