Takeoff and landing remain the most hazardous parts of flight, experts warn

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) notes that accidents often occur around runways, with runway mishaps posing significant risks of loss of life and injury. The Tenerife collision in March 1977, which claimed 583 lives, is a notable example of ground-level accidents' severity. Another incident, the crash of Comair Flight 5191 in August 2006, highlighted the disastrous potential of runway identification errors and reduced situational awareness.

Runway excursions, such as pilots overshooting and veering off into unsuitable terrain, further underscore procedural importance. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) explains, “When done right, maneuvering flights demonstrate skill...done wrong they usually end deadly.”

Takeoff and landing procedures are critical to flight safety. Crews must consider engine performance, obstacles, aircraft weight, and surrounding environmental factors. The NTSB advises, “Maintain positive control of the airplane throughout the landing and be alert for directional control difficulties immediately upon and after touchdown.”

General aviation faces similar challenges, with crosswinds and poor weather conditions complicating landings for smaller aircraft. The NTSB Safety Alert 71 recommends utilizing the full runway length for safety, advising against intersection departures without sufficient safety margins.

Wind conditions and poor weather significantly affect aircraft performance, particularly during final approaches. Reduced visibility due to rain or fog, alongside contaminated runways, increase the risk of accidents. The NTSB stresses the necessity of accurate runway condition reports and settings to manage these conditions effectively.

Final approach complexity is a common hurdle for both commercial and private aviators. Stable approach speeds, appropriate flap settings, and gear extension are critical. The FAA states, “A good plan takes into account the departure path or procedure, as well as actions to take following power loss.”

The aviation industry continues to implement safety measures to mitigate these risks, from cockpit alert systems to pilot competence evaluations. Despite the challenges, flying remains one of the safest travel methods, though the greatest dangers lie in takeoff and landing.

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