Introduction
Weather conditions are extremely important in aviation safety, and their influence on flight operations cannot be overstated. Many accidents occurred in the aviation sector as a result of unfavorable weather conditions such as fog, ice, turbulence, lightning, and storms. One of the most famous and large-scale is the Arrow Air Flight 1285R disaster. Weather can impact many areas of flight operations, increasing the likelihood of an incident. Understanding the influence of weather on aircraft accidents is critical for enhancing aviation safety and establishing better monitoring and forecasting.
Discussion
Arrow Air Flight 1285R was a massive tragic aviation incident. On December 12, 1985, the plane crashed shortly after departure from Gander International Airport in Canada, the crash killed 248 US soldiers and eight crew members (Finlay, 2022). The incident was caused by a mix of variables, including weather-related issues, which had a key impact on the crash. The weather at Gander International Airport was below freezing at the time of the crash, with a temperature of -7°C and light snow and freezing rain falling (Fear of Landing, 2020). The Canadian Aviation Safety Board (CASB) was unable to ascertain the sequence of events leading up to the disaster throughout the investigation.
According to witnesses, the plane had problems gaining altitude after takeoff. The aircraft’s exceptionally high drag and low lift state was most likely caused by ice contamination on the leading edges and top surfaces of the wings, as well as an incorrectly calculated onboard weight (Fear of Landing, 2020). Additional possible reasons for the disaster were the number four engine’s lack of thrust or an incorrect takeoff speed (Finlay, 2022). The weather might have had a significant influence on Flight 1285R’s disaster. The ice and snow accumulations on the aircraft might have been caused by the meteorological conditions at the time. Four of the nine CASB investigators disagreed with the majority’s conclusions, claiming there was no proof of ice present. Subsequently, a terrorist organization from Lebanon claimed responsibility for the crash, but their connection was disproved.
Conclusion
The accident of Arrow Air Flight 1285R emphasizes the need for adequate de-icing techniques and the requirement for pilots to make key choices based on correct weather assessments. Insufficient de-icing operations can jeopardize an aircraft’s ability to create lift and regulate its descent, which can be catastrophic. Pilots must also be able to judge weather conditions properly and make judgments depending on the safety of their passengers and crew.
References
Fear of Landing. (2020). Arrow Air Flight 1285: Icing or explosion? Fear of Landing. Web.
Finlay, M. (2022). Arrow Air Flight 1285R: The story of Canada’s deadliest plane crash. Simple Flying. Web.