The Crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 and Its Aftermaths

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

The crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in 2009 involved certain changes in policies adopted nationwide. The company as well as other airlines revisited their procedures and policies to ensure the safety of flight. The flight from Newark (NJ) to Buffalo (NY) ended in a crash, in which 50 people died (including 45 passengers, four members of the crew and one person on the ground) (Stark and Khan par. 2). It is necessary to note that all the aircrafts systems were operating properly. More so, the errors the pilot made is regarded as amateurish (Garrison par.1). Therefore, the discussion of the accident led to a specific attention paid to policies and companys adherence to these policies and regulations.

According to the results of the investigation carried out after the crash, the causes of the accident were the crews failure to monitor airspeed, failure to adhere to sterile cockpit procedures, the captains failure to effectively manage the flight, and the companys inadequate procedures for management during approaches in icing conditions (Loss of Control on Approach, Colgan Air, Inc. x). One of the causes (which received a lot of attention) was the pilots fatigue (Stark and Khan par. 9). Importantly, flight standards director of the FAA noted that he had some concerns about the safety culture in the company (Zremski par. 2). It is possible to assume that the accident was preventable as the FAA officials pointed out particular issues that led to the catastrophe.

The companys culture played an important role. On the one hand, the crew obtained the necessary training on flight management. It included training on sterile cockpit procedures, and the companys employees reported that they adhered to these regulations (Loss of Control on Approach, Colgan Air, Inc. 45). It is also reported that the issues concerning pilots fatigue were addressed in the companys culture (Loss of Control on Approach, Colgan Air, Inc. 48). However, it is also clear that the problem was rather persistent as many pilots had to commute, which contributed to their fatigue. The company also did not have any particular written documents where reasons for fatigue and strategies to prevent it were provided. According to the report, the companys safety officers were working on such documentation (Loss of Control on Approach, Colgan Air, Inc. 49).

The comprehensive investigation revealed major causes of the accident. These were mainly the crews errors. The NTSB issued a set of recommendations aimed at prevention of similar catastrophes. It is necessary to add that these recommendations are quite effective and can contribute to the flight safety. For instance, one of the recommendations was to enhance training of the crew aimed at the development of monitoring skills. One of the causes of the accident in question was the pilots inability to monitor and cross-check important indicators (for example, speed) (Safety Recommendations 6).

It was also noted that alert systems could also be improved as due to the workload or other reasons pilots may fail to respond to the emergency situations timely. This was the case with the Colgan Air Flight 3407. Leadership training should also be a part of the pilots development (Safety Recommendations 10). It is clear that the pilot of the aircraft failed to take complete control over the situation, and the crew was not conducting properly, which contributed to making additional errors and the crash.

The NTSB also recommends initiating the development of comprehensive guidance concerning sterile cockpit procedures (Safety Recommendations 15). Although pilots and officials note that such procedures exist and are mainly followed, it is clear that the wide discussion may improve the situation. Another serious issue to address as seen by the NTSB is fatigue mitigation. It is recommended to implement the Fatigue Risk Management System that can help mitigate fatigue-associated risk. It is possible to assume that these recommendations are appropriate as they address common issues related to flight safety.

It is also important to note that the Public Law 111-216 provides the necessary legislation to increase safety. The law presupposes regular inspections concerning companys compliance with safety regulations (Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 2362). Such aspects as fatigue, safety management systems and crews management skills will be the major focus of these regulations and inspections. This will enable companies to improve their operations and safety.

In conclusion, it is necessary to note that the accident provides many valuable lessons. First, it is clear that the procedures and systems existing are not sufficient to ensure safety. The areas of major concern are adherence to existing procedures (for example, sterile cockpit procedures), pilot leadership, monitoring and cross-checking as well as the crews fatigue. Some policies and laws have been implemented to address these issues. It is also clear that training provided is inefficient as the crew do not follow some recommendations due to many reasons (lack of skills and knowledge, fatigue, workload and so on). One of the most important steps to undertake is the introduction of a sophisticated training program for existing airlines employees as well as students. The training should address the most common issues. This will help improve flight safety.

Works Cited

Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. 2010. Web.

Garrison, Peter. Aftermath: The Mystery of Clogan 3407. 2010. Web.

Loss of Control on Approach Colgan Air, Inc. 2010. Web.

Safety Recommendation. 2010. Web.

Stark, Lisa, and Huma Khan. Pilot Error to Blame in Deadly Flight Accident Last February. ABC News 2010. Web.

Zremski, Jerry. Colgan Warned by FAA About Safety Prior to 3407 Crash. The Buffalo News 2013. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!

The Crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 and Its Aftermaths

Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?

We have qualified writers to help you.

We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.

You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)