A FREAK Coincidence?! Tap Air Portugal flight 754

Mentour Pilot・2 minutes read

Pilots face critical decisions in rejecting landings to ensure safety, with incidents prompting stricter certification rules and safety measures globally. A specific incident involving TAP Air Portugal crew highlights the importance of pilot experience and decision-making in challenging flight conditions.

Insights

  • Incident involving TAP Air Portugal crew highlights the critical decision-making process pilots face during challenging flights, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety protocols and certification standards to ensure safe outcomes for passengers and crew.
  • The Cranbrook accident in 1978 led to significant changes in certification requirements for transport category aircraft worldwide, showcasing the far-reaching impact of incidents on aviation regulations and safety practices, ultimately enhancing the industry's commitment to prioritizing passenger safety through continuous improvement and adherence to stringent guidelines.

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Recent questions

  • What factors influence a pilot's decision to reject a landing?

    The pilot's decision to reject a landing can be influenced by various factors such as unexpected aircraft behavior, weather conditions, runway length, and wind direction. These factors can impact the safety of the landing, prompting the pilot to make a critical decision to go around and attempt a landing again. It is crucial for pilots to assess these conditions carefully and prioritize safety above all else when deciding whether to reject a landing.

  • How do stringent safety standards impact aircraft certification?

    Stringent safety standards play a crucial role in the detailed certification process for aircraft. These standards ensure that aircraft meet specific safety requirements, undergo thorough testing, and adhere to regulations to guarantee the safety of passengers and crew. By implementing stringent safety standards, authorities can mitigate risks, address design weaknesses, and enhance the overall safety of aircraft for all stakeholders involved in aviation.

  • What led to changes in certification requirements for transport category aircraft?

    Changes in certification requirements for transport category aircraft were prompted by incidents like the Cranbrook accident in 1978. This tragic event highlighted the importance of ensuring that aircraft could safely land, select reverses, stop, and apply takeoff thrust without encountering issues. As a result, new rules were implemented to enhance safety measures, prevent similar accidents, and improve the certification process for transport category aircraft worldwide.

  • How do pilots consider gusty conditions and runway length during landing calculations?

    Pilots take into account gusty conditions and runway length when making landing calculations to ensure a safe and successful landing. Gusty winds can affect the stability of the aircraft during approach and touchdown, requiring pilots to adjust their techniques and strategies accordingly. By factoring in these variables, pilots can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and execute a smooth landing even in challenging conditions.

  • What technical details are important for understanding Airbus A320 engines?

    Understanding technical details about Airbus A320 engines, such as the trust reverses system, is crucial for pilots and aviation professionals. The trust reverses system allows pilots to slow down the aircraft after landing by redirecting engine thrust forward. This system plays a vital role in ensuring safe landings, especially in adverse weather conditions or on short runways. By familiarizing themselves with these technical aspects, pilots can effectively operate Airbus A320 aircraft and prioritize safety during all phases of flight.

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Summary

00:00

Pilot's critical decision in challenging landing

  • Pilot's critical decision to reject landing from low altitude or on the runway
  • Aircraft's unexpected behavior when not following pilot's commands
  • Stringent safety standards and detailed certification process for aircraft
  • New requirements added post incidents or accidents to address design weaknesses
  • Incident involving TAP Air Portugal crew preparing for a flight from Lisbon to Copenhagen
  • Weather conditions in Copenhagen with strong gusty winds and showers
  • Runway selection based on wind direction and length, with expected crosswinds
  • Pilot and first officer's experience and decision-making for challenging flight
  • Landing calculations made considering gusty conditions and runway length
  • Technical details about Airbus A320 engines and trust reverses system

14:40

Cranbrook Crash Leads to Global Aviation Changes

  • Flight 314 crashed at Cranbrook International Airport in Canada in 1978, leading to the strict enforcement of the rule against attempting to go around after reverses have been selected on all aircraft types worldwide.
  • The Cranbrook accident prompted changes in certification requirements for transport category aircraft to ensure they could safely land, select reverses, stop, and apply takeoff thrust with both reverses deactivating.
  • These new rules were first applied in Canada, then by the FAA in the United States, and although not implemented by IASA in Europe, all aircraft manufacturers still adhere to them.
  • Compliance with certification rules was primarily tested on aircraft after they had fully landed and selected reverse thrust.
  • Tap Flight 174 was given gradual descent clearances towards Copenhagen, completing relevant checklists except for the landing checklist.
  • The aircraft was fully configured for landing, with flaps extended, ILS intercepted, and descending towards the runway.
  • The tower controller cleared Tap Flight 174 for landing on Runway 3, with the captain focused on a correct landing due to gusty winds and wet runway conditions.
  • During the landing approach, a bounce occurred, leading the captain to initiate an immediate go-around due to drifting and rolling motions.
  • As the captain attempted to go around, a series of events caused asymmetric thrust, a yaw and roll towards the left, and a near-ground incident.
  • The crew managed to climb safely, resolve the issue with the left engine, and successfully land single-engine on Runway 22 left in Copenhagen, implementing safety recommendations for future aircraft certification.
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