Emergency landing

Emergency Landings: A Critical Aspect of Aviation Safety

An emergency landing is a premature landing made due to an imminent or ongoing threat to the safety and operation of the aircraft. Imagine your plane suddenly facing a life-threatening situation, like engine failure or severe damage to vital systems. The pilots must make a quick decision: land as soon as possible, even if it means touching down in an unsuitable location.

The Two Types of Emergency Landings

There are two main types of emergency landings: forced landing and precautionary landing. A forced landing occurs when the aircraft is compelled to make a landing due to technical problems, such as engine failure or damage to vital systems. The priority is to get the plane on the ground safely, even if it means landing in an unsuitable location.

A precautionary landing, on the other hand, may result from a planned landing at a location with limited information, unanticipated changes during the flight, or abnormal situations. The goal is to locate and inspect a potential landing site quickly to minimize additional limitations imposed by worsening aircraft conditions or other factors.

Ditching: A Forced Landing on Water

Ditching is essentially the same as a forced landing but occurs on water. It’s like trying to land an airplane in the middle of a lake, river, or ocean. Pilots must be prepared for this scenario and practice simulated forced landings to ensure they can handle such emergencies.

Simulated Forced Landings: Preparing for the Worst

Pilots often practice simulated forced landings to prepare for emergency situations. If there is a suitable landing spot within gliding or autorotation distance, an unplanned landing can often result in no injuries or significant damage.

Notable Examples of Emergency Landings

Emergency landings are not uncommon, and many have become part of aviation history. For instance, the Gimli Glider, British Airways Flight 9, and United Airlines Flight 811 made successful emergency landings in various locations.

Air Transat Flight 236 is a more recent example. On August 24, 2001, this Airbus A330 ran out of fuel over the Atlantic Ocean and made a successful forced landing in the Azores. Another notable instance was LOT Polish Airlines Flight 016, which belly landed at Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin International Airport on November 1, 2011, after a central hydraulic system failure with no injuries.

A Less Successful Crash Landing: Southern Airways Flight 242

On April 4, 1977, Southern Airways Flight 242 faced a severe emergency. The DC-9 lost both of its engines due to hail and heavy rain in a thunderstorm. Unable to glide to an airport, the plane made a forced landing on a highway near New Hope, Georgia, United States.

Airliners Frequently Make Emergency Landings

While airliners frequently make emergency landings, almost all of them are uneventful. However, because of their inherent uncertain nature, they can quickly become crash landings or worse. Some notable instances include United Airlines Flight 232, which broke up while landing at Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19, 1989; and Air Canada Flight 797, which burned after landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on June 2, 1983, due to a fire that started in the cabin.

Shannon Airport: A High Number of Emergency Landings

Shannon Airport in Ireland has a high number of emergency landings from trans-Atlantic flights. It is the first major airport after the eastbound ocean crossing, making it a common destination for aircraft needing to make an emergency landing.

A Bird Incident: Thomson 253H

On April 29, 2007, a bird was ingested into the right engine of a Boeing 757 departing Manchester (UK) airport. Just as the plane rotated off the runway, it faced this unexpected emergency situation.

The Importance of Emergency Landings

Emergency landings are critical for ensuring passenger safety and maintaining the integrity of aircraft systems. They require quick thinking, precise execution, and extensive training to handle such unpredictable situations effectively.

Emergency landings are a testament to the resilience and preparedness of pilots, air traffic control, and airport staff. They remind us that while aviation is generally safe, it’s crucial to always be ready for the unexpected.