Let's dive into a deeply tragic event in aviation history: Indian Airlines Flight 605. This flight, operating on March 14, 1990, was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Mumbai to Bangalore. Unfortunately, it ended in a devastating crash during its approach to Bangalore, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation community and the families of those involved.

The Fateful Flight

The story of Indian Airlines Flight 605 begins like any other routine domestic flight. The Airbus A320-200, a relatively new aircraft at the time, took off from Mumbai's Sahar International Airport (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) with 146 people on board, including 6 crew members. The captain, an experienced pilot, was at the helm, and the flight proceeded without any reported incidents during its journey to Bangalore. As the aircraft neared its destination, Bangalore's HAL Airport (now Kempegowda International Airport), the weather conditions were reportedly good with clear visibility. The pilots prepared for a normal landing, unaware of the tragedy that was about to unfold.

The Crash

As Indian Airlines Flight 605 approached Bangalore, everything seemed normal. However, during the final stages of the landing, something went terribly wrong. The aircraft descended lower than expected and crashed into a golf course, just a few hundred meters short of the runway. The impact was catastrophic. The aircraft broke apart, and a fire erupted, engulfing the wreckage. The crash occurred in broad daylight, and the horrifying scene was witnessed by many on the ground. Rescue operations began immediately, but the damage was extensive, and the chances of survival were slim. In the aftermath of the crash, it was confirmed that 92 people on board had lost their lives, including both pilots and several crew members. Among the survivors were some passengers who managed to escape the wreckage before the fire consumed the aircraft. The nation mourned the loss of life in this devastating aviation accident.

Investigation and Findings

Following the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605, a thorough investigation was launched to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation was conducted by a committee appointed by the Indian government, comprising aviation experts, engineers, and investigators. The team meticulously examined the wreckage, analyzed the flight data recorders (black boxes), and interviewed witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the crash. The flight data recorders provided crucial insights into the aircraft's performance and the pilots' actions during the final moments of the flight. The investigators also considered factors such as weather conditions, air traffic control procedures, and the aircraft's maintenance history. After months of painstaking investigation, the committee released its findings. The primary cause of the crash was attributed to pilot error. The investigation revealed that the pilots had descended below the required altitude during the approach and failed to execute a timely go-around when they realized they were too low. Other contributing factors included a lack of proper coordination between the pilots and a delayed response to the ground proximity warning system (GPWS). The GPWS is a safety feature designed to alert pilots when an aircraft is in danger of colliding with terrain. In the case of Indian Airlines Flight 605, the GPWS sounded an alarm, but the pilots did not react quickly enough to prevent the crash. The investigation also highlighted the need for improved pilot training and stricter adherence to standard operating procedures. The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 served as a wake-up call for the aviation industry in India, leading to enhanced safety measures and a renewed focus on pilot training.

Contributing Factors to the Crash

Several factors contributed to the tragic crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605. Let's break these down:

Pilot Error

Pilot error was a significant factor, the investigation revealed that the pilots failed to maintain the correct altitude during the approach, leading the aircraft to descend too low. They also did not execute a timely "go-around" when they realized they were below the required altitude. This could have been due to a combination of factors, including fatigue, distraction, or inadequate training.

Lack of Coordination

Lack of coordination between the pilots in the cockpit also played a role. Effective communication and teamwork are essential during critical phases of flight, such as landing. The investigation suggested that there was insufficient coordination between the captain and the first officer, which may have contributed to the misjudgment of altitude and the failure to execute a go-around.

Delayed Response to GPWS

The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) is designed to alert pilots when an aircraft is in danger of colliding with terrain. While the GPWS did activate on Indian Airlines Flight 605, the pilots' response was delayed, and they did not take immediate action to correct the aircraft's trajectory. This delay could have been due to a number of factors, including confusion, disorientation, or a lack of understanding of the GPWS alerts.

Aircraft Factors

The Airbus A320 was a relatively new aircraft at the time, with advanced features like a fly-by-wire system. While there was no evidence of mechanical failure, investigators looked into whether the pilots were fully familiar with the aircraft's systems and how they responded in critical situations. The fly-by-wire system, which replaces traditional mechanical controls with electronic signals, requires pilots to have a thorough understanding of its operation and limitations.

Environmental Factors

While the weather was reported to be good, investigators considered whether wind shear or other atmospheric conditions may have played a role. Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction, which can be hazardous during landing. Although there was no conclusive evidence of wind shear, investigators examined weather data to rule out any potential environmental factors.

Regulatory Factors

Regulatory oversight and safety standards in the Indian aviation industry at the time were also scrutinized. The investigation looked into whether there were any deficiencies in pilot training, air traffic control procedures, or aircraft maintenance practices that may have contributed to the accident. The aim was to identify areas where improvements could be made to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 had a profound impact on the aviation industry in India and led to significant changes in safety regulations and procedures. One of the immediate consequences of the accident was a renewed focus on pilot training. Airlines invested in more comprehensive training programs, including simulator training, to ensure that pilots were better prepared to handle emergency situations. There was also a greater emphasis on crew resource management (CRM), which promotes effective communication and teamwork in the cockpit. CRM training helps pilots to work together more effectively, make better decisions, and avoid errors. In addition to enhanced pilot training, there were also improvements in air traffic control procedures. Air traffic controllers were given more training on how to handle emergencies and provide better support to pilots during critical phases of flight. There was also increased investment in air traffic control technology, such as radar systems and communication equipment. The crash also led to stricter enforcement of safety regulations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for aviation in India, increased its oversight of airlines and airports to ensure compliance with safety standards. Airlines were subjected to more frequent inspections, and penalties for safety violations were increased.

Remembering the Victims

The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 was a tragic event that claimed the lives of 92 people. It is important to remember the victims and honor their memory. The accident had a devastating impact on the families and friends of those who were lost. Many of the victims were young professionals, students, and families traveling for business or leisure. The crash left a void in their lives that can never be filled. In the aftermath of the accident, there were numerous memorial services and tributes to the victims. Families and friends gathered to share their memories and offer support to one another. The Indian government also provided assistance to the families of the victims, including financial compensation and counseling services. The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety. It is a reminder that every precaution must be taken to prevent accidents and protect the lives of passengers and crew members. The aviation industry has learned valuable lessons from the crash, and these lessons have been incorporated into safety regulations and procedures. While we can never undo the tragedy of Indian Airlines Flight 605, we can honor the memory of the victims by continuing to strive for greater safety in the skies.