Understanding Plane Crashes: Causes, Impact & India’s Aviation Safety Framework

Introduction : Plane Crashes

Air travel is often seen as the safest mode of transportation. Yet, airplane crashes, though rare, capture global attention due to their scale and consequences. For UPSC aspirants, understanding aviation disasters involves knowing the causes, regulations, international conventions, and India’s preparedness.

️ What Causes Plane Crashes?

• Technical Failure: Engine malfunction, electrical failure, software glitches (e.g., Boeing 737 Max crashes).
• Human Error: Pilot fatigue, miscommunication with Air Traffic Control.
• Weather Conditions: Fog, lightning, turbulence, crosswinds.
• Bird Strikes: A major threat, especially during take-off and landing.
• Terrorism or Sabotage: Rare but highly devastating (e.g., Pan Am Flight 103).
• Runway Excursions: Skidding due to wet runways, poor visibility.

️ India’s Aviation Safety Measures

• DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) – India’s apex aviation safety regulator.
• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) – Investigates all civil aviation accidents in India.
• UDAN Scheme – While it boosts regional connectivity, it must balance safety oversight.
• CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) – Covers pilot duty hours, aircraft maintenance, etc.

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Global Aviation Safety Conventions

• Chicago Convention (1944): Foundation of modern international civil aviation.
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): Sets safety standards for signatory countries.
• Montreal Convention (1999): Passenger compensation rules in air crashes.

Case Studies for UPSC

• Air India Express Flight IX-1344 (2020): Kozhikode runway crash; 21 fatalities.
• Nepal Yeti Airlines Crash (2023): Many Indian passengers onboard; raised safety concerns in South Asia.
• MH370 Disappearance: Still unsolved; highlighted the need for real-time aircraft tracking.

Ethics & Governance Angle

• Responsibility & Compensation: Moral and legal accountability of airlines and regulators.
• Right to Information for Victims’ Families: Transparency and emotional closure.
• Disaster Management Preparedness: Role of NDMA, emergency response teams.

UPSC Mains Practice Question:

Q. “Air crashes are rare but impactful. Analyze the reasons for such accidents and examine the effectiveness of India’s institutional safety mechanisms in air transport.” (250 words)

Prelims Quick Facts:

Topic	Details
DGCA	Under Ministry of Civil Aviation
AAIB	Set up in 2012
ICAO HQ	Montreal, Canada
UDAN	Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik – Regional Air Connectivity
Black Box	Flight Data Recorder + Cockpit Voice Recorder

Conclusion

While aviation remains statistically safe, one lapse can lead to mass casualties. UPSC aspirants should approach this topic from technological, regulatory, disaster management, and ethical perspectives. With rising air traffic under schemes like UDAN, robust safety mechanisms are crucial for public confidence and national development.

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UPSC Mains PYQs (Relevant Topics)

GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management & Infrastructure

1. 2022 – GS3 “India’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, but safety oversight remains a concern.” Discuss in the context of recent aviation incidents and government measures.
2. 2019 – GS3 Disaster preparedness is the first step in disaster management. Explain how India can better prepare for disasters, both natural and man-made.
3. 2016 – GS2 Examine the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring accountability and safety in the civil aviation sector in India.
4. 2013 – GS3 What is a ‘Disaster’? Briefly explain various types of disasters and the vulnerability of India to them.

UPSC Prelims PYQs (Related Concepts)

Although no direct Prelims question asked specifically about plane crashes, several related themes have appeared:

1. 2021 Which of the following organizations releases the “Global Air Transport Outlook” report?
   (Answer: ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization)
2. 2017 *Consider the following pairs:
   • International Aviation Organization — Montreal
   • International Maritime Organization — London
   • International Solar Alliance — Paris*
     Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
     (Answer: 1 and 2 only)
3. 2023Under the UDAN scheme, which of the following is correct?
   • (a) Promotes regional connectivity through affordability
     (Answer: a)

Themes to Focus On for Future UPSC Questions

• DGCA vs ICAO roles
• UDAN scheme: Safety vs Expansion
• NDMA Guidelines for air disaster management
• Technology in air crash investigations (Black Box, AI, etc.)
• Ethical & legal aspects of aviation safety and compensation
• Case studies like Air India Express (2020), Yeti Airlines (2023)