Near Airplane Collision in Hawaii
A near-collision of two airplanes traveling over Hawaii on April 25, 2014 was reportedly caused by miscommunication and human error stemming from the air traffic control tower in Honolulu, according to a CBS News report. The media outlet stated that a controller failed to notice that the two planes were on a course to a collision, and the pilot for United Airlines flight 1205 could be heard initiating a sudden dive.
According to officials, the airplane was flying at more than 30,000 feet, and it made the 600-foot drop in 60 seconds to avoid an airplane collision with U.S. Airways flight 432 traveling at the same altitude. The two airplanes allegedly came within 2.2 miles of each other.
One passenger was reported as stating that it was a scary, violent experience, and that the descent felt like the plane had lost all power and “gone dead in the air.” A CBS news transportation and safety expert and former head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that when close calls occur, a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) located on board the flight would alert the pilots.
In this case, the TCAS gave the appropriate instructions to both pilots of the aircrafts, and one would climb while the other would descend his aircraft to avoid a situation in which a mid-air airplane collision could occur. In the initial report, indications of human error were found as a controller in the tower navigating the two planes reportedly failed to notice the confliction.
Although human error may be unavoidable, officials state that the systems in place to prevent airplane collisions and accidents are working. The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the accident, and both U.S. Airways and United Airlines report that they are working with authorities to determine what happened.
As is the case with the near-collision in Hawaii, airplane crashes can be unpredictable. While fortunately the technology was properly functioning and an airplane collision was avoided, such is unfortunately not always the case. Airplane collisions are not as common as car, motorcycle or semi truck accidents, but when they do occur, the devastation, injuries and damages that can occur is often much more catastrophic.
Have You Been Injured in an Airplane Crash?
If you or someone you love has been injured or negatively affected by an airplane crash, you may have legal recourse. Contact Attorney Group today to learn more about pursuing a claim and seeking compensation for your condition. We can answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated airplane collision attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process and work to help you recover the damages to which you may be entitled. Contact us today for a free consultation on your legal rights in your particular situation.
