Saudi Arabian Flight 163: The Importance of Effective Communication

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Main Body
Conclusion
References List

Abstract

Saudi Arabian flight 163 left Riyadh’s international airport a few minutes before 10.00 pm on August 19, 1980 headed for Jeddah. Around six minutes after takeoff, indicators revealed to the crew that smoke was coming out in the back of the cargo section. In the next four minutes, the crew used the time trying to verify the signals and locating the smoke alert process in the plane’s instruction manual. It was during this time that the captain resolved to go back to the airport. Even though this happened, the aircraft landed without any problems at Riyadh airport. The crew did not however stop the aircraft for another few minutes and the other engines were not shut down either. It was not until twenty minutes later that the plane engines stopped and the fuselage entered. This led to the death of all the 310 passengers due to inhaling of dangerous fumes from the smoke. This research paper looks at the role of effective training to captain and crew members alike.

Introduction

Saudi Arabian flight 163 left Riyadh’s international airport a few minutes before 10.00 pm on August 19, 1980. The aircraft that had 287 passengers and 14 crew members was heading for Jeddah. Around six minutes after takeoff going up to 15, 000 ft, audio and indicators revealed to the crew that smoke was coming out in the back of the cargo section. In the next four minutes, the crew used the time trying to verify the signals and locating the smoke alert process in the plane’s instruction manual. It was during this time that the captain resolved to go back to the airport. (Kilroy, nd) Engine 2-thrust lever jammed and the crew had to stop it. Even though all these things happened, the aircraft landed without any problems at Riyadh airport. The crew did not however stop the aircraft for another few minutes and the other engines were not shut down either. This did not allow rescue team to enter the plane and to add to this they were not aware of the exit points for the passengers. It was not until twenty minutes later that the plane engines stopped and the fuselage entered. This led to the death of all the 310 passengers due to inhaling of dangerous fumes from the smoke. (Ayers, 1980)

Main Body

The cockpit crews were not able to do their work properly due to lack of experience. It was clear that the first officer had very little knowledge on the L-1011. This is because he did not help the captain on the aircraft or even checking the communication system if they were all right. The second officer was not well equipped either since he took most of his time looking at the aircraft-working manual while at the same time he kept saying there was no problem. They did not also work as a team to evacuate the passengers. This shows lack of knowledge and coordination and thus they were not able to do their work efficiently. (Flight Safe Foundation, 1980)

The captain was not able to bring coordination with his crewmembers to help evacuate the passengers. He did not delegate responsibility as it should have been and this can be attributed to lack of proper training or ignorance. The captain has the final authority but he did not use his position well to allow proper coordination. This shows lack of basic training and information on the part of the pilot. It also shows he was not familiar with aircraft rules that should be followed in case of such an emergency. (Ayers, 1980)

The whole process came down to lack of proper training to all the crewmembers. They did not have effective communication skills that could have helped in such an emergency. There was also lack of coordination and leadership skills on the part of the captain. This is because even when calls for evacuation were made he did not effect it thus, evacuation did not begin. There was also failure by the crew to act fast which is important once there is an emergency. (Sky brary, n.d)

Conclusion

The accident could have been avoided by having effective communication and coordination among the crewmembers. Had they been able to coordinate, they would have acted fast to evacuate the passengers. The crew members should have effective training on how to deal with emergences. Their lack of knowledge caused the death of 301 passengers even though the plane had landed safely. They should have been able to open the exit location fast enough for the passengers to escape. It is important for the concerned institutions to give proper emergency and evacuation training to the crewmembers to avoid such a disaster. The pilot should also be well equipped and able to delegate the necessary duties in case of an emergency. He should be given proper training before receiving a license to fly an aircraft.

References List

Ayers, A. (1980).Saudia 163. Web.

Flight Safe Foundation. (1980). Cockpit voice recorder transcript of the August 19, 1980 fire of a Saudia Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 200 (flight 163) at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Web.

Kilroy, c. (nd). Saudi Arabian flight 163. Web.

Sky brary. (n.d). L101, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, 1980 (AW HF FIRE). Web.

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Saudi Arabian Flight 163: The Importance of Effective Communication

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