Plane crash in south India -Manglore

[Arun_S]

Landing on Table top runways is very tricky because unlike flat areas there is strong susceptibility to small change of wind and weather conditions. The wind does not blow at 0 degree angle and small change in angle of attack of the wing versus wind result in unusually long float time (flare) or sudden dip, the latter is more dangerous to recover, hence pilots will bias the landing speed to be slightly higher (than normal for flat area runways), with the risk of long air-float time, that eats into available landing distance.



Bottom line:

1. Decision threshold to go around leave small time window for pilot and even 2 seconds late decision will risk ability to take off and go-around.
2. All small runways or difficult landing strips should have better instrumentation:

• wind & turbulence measurement; & ATC should play safe and close the airport for as long as weather risks safety.
• [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrument_landing_system"]ILS[/url] or ALS should be mandatory installed at such airports. This narrows down the spread of touchdown point.
• Indian GAGAN [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_Area_Augmentation_System"]Wide Area Augmentation System[/url] (WAAS) could provide similar or better accuracy. The key part is to link the Aircraft's autopilot to WASS. (a.k.a Automatic Landing System, ALS)

1. All small runways or difficult landing strips should have far better emergency response equipment and crew to ensure fastest response to fir control and rescue.

All requires money, but first it requires a change of mindset to human safety and responsibility for service and safety.





My prayers to Lord Vishnu to give "Sadgati" to all departed souls.



Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi