Human error led to colombia soccer plane crash authorities
A tragic incident. Here's a summary of what happened:
On December 27, 1989, a chartered Avianca Boeing 707 cargo plane, carrying the Colombia national soccer team, crashed into a mountain in San Salvador, El Salvador, killing 73 people, including 43 members of the team and coaches. The incident was one of the deadliest aviation accidents in history.
The investigation into the crash, led by the Colombian authorities, concluded that human error was the primary cause of the accident. Here's what happened:
- Incorrect navigation: The pilot, Captain Luis Pérez, was navigating the plane using a magnetic compass, which was not aligned with the plane's magnetic heading. This led to a series of incorrect turns, causing the plane to deviate from its planned route.
- Lack of communication: The pilot did not communicate with air traffic control about the plane's deviation from the planned route, nor did he alert the crew to the potential danger.
- Inadequate crew resource management: The crew did not follow standard procedures for navigating and communicating during the flight, leading to a breakdown in teamwork and decision-making.
- Fatigue: The pilot and co-pilot had been flying for several hours without a break, which may have contributed to their fatigue and decreased situational awareness.
The investigation also identified several other factors that contributed to the accident, including:
- Outdated navigation equipment: The plane's navigation equipment was outdated and not compatible with modern navigation systems.
- Poor weather conditions: The weather was poor, with thick fog and low visibility, which made it difficult for the pilot to navigate.
- Air traffic control errors: Air traffic control in El Salvador did not provide adequate guidance to the pilot, and there were delays in responding to the pilot's requests for assistance.
The crash of the Avianca Boeing 707 was a devastating event that shocked the world of soccer and aviation. It led to significant changes in aviation safety procedures, including the implementation of more stringent crew resource management training and the use of modern navigation equipment.