Lessons learned from the airline flight 965 tragedy: How to improve air travel safety

On December 20, 1995, American Airlines Flight 965 crashed into a mountain in Colombia, killing 159 out of the 163 people on board. Following an investigation, it was concluded that the primary cause of the disaster was poor crew resource management, human error and some technical deficiencies in the flight management system. As tragic as this incident was, it triggered a series of regulatory reforms and improvements in the aviation industry, ultimately leading to safer air travel. In this article, we will delve deeper into the lessons learned from the airline flight 965 tragedy and explore ways to improve air travel safety.

1. Crew Resource Management

Crew resource management (CRM) refers to the effective use of all available crew resources, including communication, leadership, and decision-making, to maintain safe and efficient flight operations. The crash of Flight 965 exposed the importance of proper CRM in reducing the risk of human error. In response, the aviation industry has implemented CRM training programs for pilots and crew members. These programs focus on emphasizing the importance of effective communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

2. Safety Management Systems

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) following the crash of Flight 965. SMS is a proactive approach to the management of airline safety, ensuring that hazards are identified and corrected before they become accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since mandated SMS implementation for all air carriers.

3. Flight Management Systems

Flight Management Systems (FMS) is a computerized system used by pilots to manage flight planning and navigation activities. The NTSB concluded that a significant contributor to the crash of Flight 965 was the complex FMS interface and non-standard user practices. In response, the FAA established guidelines for FMS use, standardizing training and interface design across all airlines.

4. Communication

Communication between the pilots and air traffic control (ATC) is critical in ensuring safe air travel. The NTSB noted communication breakdowns between the flight crew and ATC in the case of Flight 965. To address this issue, the aviation industry has introduced standard phraseology and training protocols for pilot and ATC communication.

In conclusion, the airline Flight 965 tragedy was a devastating event, but it has led to significant regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and training improvements in the aviation industry. The implementation of CRM, SMS, standardized FMS guidelines, and communication protocols among pilots and ATC has contributed to a safer air travel experience. These lessons learned from Flight 965 have not only made air travel safer but also serve as an example for other industries that safety should be a top priority.