The Risky Phases of Flight Travel
Causes, Pilot Errors, and Safety Measures
Air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation today, yet aviation accidents—though rare—are deeply scrutinized due to their potentially catastrophic consequences. While public attention often focuses on spectacular crashes, aviation professionals analyze patterns, technical data, and human behavior to understand the true causes and, more importantly, to prevent future tragedies.
In this article, we explore the most dangerous phases of a flight, delve into the root causes of past crashes, and examine whether pilot error or avionics malfunction is typically responsible. Finally, we discuss the proactive measures taken by pilots, aircraft manufacturers, and air traffic controllers to maintain safety in the skies.
The Riskiest Phases of Flight
Statistical data from aviation authorities such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) indicate that most accidents occur during:
Takeoff and Initial Climb (13% of fatal accidents)
Final Approach and Landing (48% of fatal accidents)
Go-Arounds (Aborted Landings) (High-risk maneuver)
These phases demand precise control, quick decision-making, and coordination between pilots and air traffic control (ATC). Any lapse can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
1. Takeoff and Initial Climb (Most Critical Phase)
Why Risky?
High engine stress
Low altitude means less time to recover from failures
Incorrect weight distribution or configuration errors
Notable Crashes:
Air India Flight AI171 (2025) – Investigations still on, from initial reports flight started losing altitude after gaining 191 m.
Air France Flight 4590 (2000) – Concorde ran over debris, causing tire burst and fuel tank rupture.
2. Final Approach and Landing (Highest Accident Rate)
Why Risky?
Reduced visibility (fog, rain, wind shear)
Pilot fatigue or misjudgment
Incorrect glide slope or speed
Notable Crashes:
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 (2013) – Pilot error in managing speed led to a crash short of the runway.
Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 (2009) – Faulty altimeter readings caused premature descent.
3. Go-Arounds (High-Stress Situations)
Why Risky?
Sudden throttle adjustments can cause stalls
Pilot hesitation or incorrect procedure
Notable Incident:
UPS Airlines Flight 1354 (2013) – Failed go-around due to misjudged descent.
Pilot Error vs. Avionics Failure: Who’s to Blame?
1. Pilot Error (60-70% of Accidents)
Human factors contribute to most crashes, including:
Poor decision-making (Continuing unstable approaches)
Spatial disorientation (Losing sense of direction in poor visibility)
Fatigue or stress (Long duty hours affecting performance)
Example:
Kegworth Air Disaster (1989) – Pilots shut down the wrong engine after a failure.
2. Avionics and Mechanical Failures (20-30% of Accidents)
Sensor malfunctions (Faulty pitot tubes, altimeters)
Software glitches (Boeing 737 MAX MCAS system failures)
Structural failures (Metal fatigue, poor maintenance)
Example:
Lion Air Flight 610 (2018) & Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (2019) – MCAS system forced the nose down due to faulty sensor input.
3. Environmental and External Factors (10-15%)
Wind shear (Sudden wind changes)
Bird strikes (US Airways Flight 1549 – Miracle on the Hudson)
Turbulence (Extreme weather conditions)
Can Pilots Always Be Blamed?
Assigning blame in aviation is complex. While pilot error is a contributing factor in most crashes, it’s often just one link in a chain of failures. Modern investigations use the "Swiss Cheese Model" of accident causation—highlighting that multiple layers (training, maintenance, air traffic control, weather) must align for a disaster to occur.
Many times, pilot actions are shaped by poor training, fatigue, or incomplete information. Conversely, system failures can put pilots in unwinnable situations.
Example: In the case of Air France 447, although the pilots made serious errors, the root cause was a sensor malfunction. Without proper simulator training for such a scenario, even experienced pilots were overwhelmed.
Safety Measures to Prevent Crashes
Aviation is constantly evolving, and every crash leads to lessons learned. Modern aircraft are now equipped with technologies and protocols that make accidents increasingly rare.
1. Pilot Training and CRM
Airlines now invest heavily in Crew Resource Management, which emphasizes communication, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Simulators expose pilots to rare but critical scenarios—like engine failures, wind shear, or onboard fire.
2. Fly-by-Wire and Redundancy
Modern aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 use fly-by-wire systems that include multiple backups. Control laws limit pilot inputs to prevent dangerous maneuvers. Redundant avionics and hydraulic systems ensure survivability even with partial failures.
3. Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and TCAS
GPWS alerts pilots of potential terrain collisions. TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) warns pilots of aircraft on collision courses. Both systems have saved hundreds of lives.
4. Autonomous Monitoring and Alerts
Systems like the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) or Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) display real-time anomalies, allowing crews to act before a problem becomes critical.
5. Enhanced Air Traffic Control and Weather Forecasting
With satellite-based navigation and ADS-B tracking, air traffic controllers can now monitor aircraft positions in real time, even over oceans. Doppler radar and weather satellites help aircraft avoid thunderstorms, icing conditions, or microbursts.
6. Maintenance and Predictive Analytics
Airlines use real-time telemetry and predictive analytics to detect mechanical issues before they become dangerous. Parts can be replaced or serviced proactively.
Conclusion: No Room for Complacency
While air travel is statistically the safest mode of long-distance transportation, the risks—however small—cannot be ignored. The riskiest times in any flight are the brief moments of takeoff and landing, when aircraft operate at low altitudes with high workload and minimum margins for error. While human error is often a contributing factor, it's rarely the sole cause. A combination of mechanical malfunction, poor training, and system design often lies at the root.
The aviation industry’s commitment to learning from each incident has been key to its safety evolution. With advancing technology, better pilot training, and international safety cooperation, the skies are becoming ever safer. Still, as aircraft systems grow more complex, ensuring that humans remain well-trained, alert, and in control will always be crucial.