Accidents & Near Misses, Frequently Asked Questions
Is one seat on an aircraft safer than another?
Perhaps, but there is no definitive answer to the age old question of which seat is the safest.
What are the major types of airplane accidents?
Ground collision, cabin fires, windshear, icing, midair collisions, rejected takeoffs, runway overruns, structural failure, engine failure, fuel tank explosions, runway collisions.
What constitutes ground collision?
Classic ground collision accidents are generally due to pilot error. From confusion caused by flying in unfamiliar territory or poor weather, a plane can literally drive straight into the Earth without any forewarning. These types of airplane accidents prompted the NTSB to develop the Ground Proximity Warning System which automatically warns pilots if they are flying too close to the ground.
What constitutes a cabin fire?
Cabin fires, while rare, are nevertheless extremely frightening and very dangerous. Airline cabin fires used to occur more often when cigarette smoking was allowed in-flight. In those days, many fires started in aircraft lavatories after smokers extinguished their cigarettes in the trash bin. Today, all airplane bathrooms must be equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Other common sources of cabin fires include the galley and cargo holds.
How does ice play a factor in airplane accidents?
In certain weather conditions ice can form on a plane's wings, drastically altering the aircraft's flight characteristics. Since 1982 there have been nine major airline accidents involving ice formation. Pilots are taught how to avoid the most dangerous icing weather conditions, and many aircraft are equipped with deicing devices. In addition, many airports in colder climates have personnel and equipment dedicated to preventing icing accidents.
Why do midair collisions occur?
Our skies are more congested today than ever before. As such, more planes are crowded into the same amount of finite space. However, since 1993 most large U.S. aircraft have been manufactured with a Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). This equipment warns pilots of other approaching aircraft. According to the NTSB, the TCAS technology has prevented several potentially catastrophic airline accidents.
What is a rejected takeoff?
A pilot may have to abort takeoff for many reasons. A major concern during such a rejected takeoff is the plane's ability to stop before the end of the runway. The NTSB has been aggressive in improving aircraft braking systems and testing those systems more thoroughly. In addition, pilots have received more training in proper rejected takeoff procedures.
What is a runway overrun?
A runway overrun can be related to a rejected takeoff, or it may occur upon landing. While modern runway length requirements mandate a 1,000 foot obstacle free zone extend beyond the paved runway surface, some older runways were built before this rule and thus do not provide the requisite safety margin. In many of these older, deficient runways, the Federal government has installed "soft ground aircraft arresting systems" that act to slow down an overrunning aircraft before it encounters any significant obstacles.
Are airplane seats safe?
The short answer is yes, but they could be safer. The FAA upgraded its seat requirements in 1988 requiring that all airlines install seats that can withstand up to 16 Gs. The previous standard was 9 Gs.
What about the seatbelts?
As long as the seatbelts are properly maintained, they appear to be as safe as practicable.
Is it possible to sue an airline if I have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in an accident?
Perhaps. It may be important for you to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Only a licensed attorney can evaluate whether you have a case that is worth pursuing. Keep in mind however that there may be time limits (Statute of Limitations) which affect your ability to sue.
How much does an attorney evaluation cost in these types of cases?
Nothing! Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. If a participating attorney agrees to handle your case, you will owe no fees or other costs unless that attorney recovers money for you.
How do I submit my case for a free evaluation?
Simply click on the free Ask an Attorney button and complete the online intake form. Aviation lawyers online will evaluate your case and respond to you via email.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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