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Mistakes Pilots Make During Takeoff

The document outlines common mistakes pilots make during takeoff, emphasizing the critical nature of this flight phase and its associated risks. Key errors include miscalculations of aircraft performance, improper checklist execution, and human factors such as distraction and fatigue. Recommendations for mitigating these risks involve enhanced training, performance data validation, and fostering a culture of accountability among flight crews.

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3 views10 pages

Mistakes Pilots Make During Takeoff

The document outlines common mistakes pilots make during takeoff, emphasizing the critical nature of this flight phase and its associated risks. Key errors include miscalculations of aircraft performance, improper checklist execution, and human factors such as distraction and fatigue. Recommendations for mitigating these risks involve enhanced training, performance data validation, and fostering a culture of accountability among flight crews.

Uploaded by

moinhassan070
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mistakes Pilots Make During Takeoff

Takeoff is one of the most critical phases of a flight, characterized by a


narrow safety margin and little time for recovery in the event of a failure.
While commercial aviation remains among the safest forms of travel,
takeoff accidents, although rare, carry a disproportionately high fatality rate.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), takeoff and
initial climb accidents are significantly more likely to result in fatalities than
those occurring during landing. Here are some of the major mistakes that
pilots make during takeoff, based on real-world cases, data, and expert
recommendations.

 Pre-Takeoff Planning Errors

a. Incorrect Aircraft Performance Calculations


One of the most significant contributors to takeoff mishaps is the
miscalculation of performance data such as takeoff distance, required
thrust, and rotation speed (Vr). Errors often stem from incorrect input of
aircraft weight, runway surface condition, or environmental factors like
temperature and wind.
In 2009, Emirates Flight 407 nearly failed to take off from Melbourne due to
an incorrectly entered weight that underestimated the aircraft's mass by
100 tons. As a result the plane had a tail strike before lift-off barely clearing
the runway perimeter.

b. Incomplete or Incorrect Checklist Execution

Pilots are trained to follow pre-flight checklists religiously. However, under


time pressure or due to distractions, crucial steps may be skipped or
improperly performed.
Case Study: Spanair Flight 5022 (2008)
The MD-82 took off with flaps and slats retracted, leading to an
aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff. Investigators found that the checklist
had not been properly followed, and the Takeoff Warning System was
inoperative.

Lesson: Proper checklist discipline and functioning warning systems are


non-negotiable.

2. Errors During the Takeoff Roll

a. Misuse of Brakes and Thrust

Applying residual brake pressure or not using full available thrust can lead
to longer takeoff rolls and may prevent the aircraft from achieving rotation
speed on short runways.

Best Practice: Pilots must ensure brakes are released and thrust levers are
fully advanced before committing to takeoff.

b. Premature or Delayed Rotation

Rotating too early can result in insufficient lift and drag-induced


deceleration. Conversely, delayed rotation may cause a runway excursion.

Case Study: Sunwing 737 (2017)


A misentered outside air temperature (OAT) caused the aircraft to generate
less thrust, resulting in an overrun and impact with runway infrastructure.

Lesson: Cross-checking environmental entries into the FMS is critical.

c. Poor Crosswind Technique

Failure to apply the correct aileron or rudder input during takeoff in


crosswind conditions can cause loss of directional control.

Solution: Regular simulator training for variable crosswind scenarios.

3. Initial Climb Errors

a. Premature Flap or Gear Retraction

Raising the flaps or landing gear too early can cause a sudden loss of lift or
increase in drag, risking a stall or terrain collision.

Case in Point: Multiple general aviation accidents have occurred due to


gear being retracted before achieving a positive rate of climb.

b. Inadequate Obstacle Awareness

Failure to assess departure path obstacles, especially in high terrain or


urban areas, can result in collision during the initial climb.
Mitigation: Proper use of departure procedures (SIDs) and terrain
awareness systems.

c. Ignoring Engine Instrument Anomalies

Pilots may fail to monitor engine instruments during takeoff due to high
workload, missing signs of engine underperformance.

Best Practice: Verbal callouts and monitoring of EPR/N1 during the takeoff
roll and climb.

4. Human Factors and Cognitive Errors

a. Distraction and Sterile Cockpit Violations

FAA regulations mandate a sterile cockpit below 10,000 feet, yet violations
continue to contribute to fatal accidents.

Case Study: Comair Flight 5191 (2006)


The aircraft took off from the wrong runway, which was too short, due to
loss of situational awareness and lack of proper communication.

Recommendation: CRM and adherence to sterile cockpit rules.

b. Fatigue and Overload


Pilot fatigue significantly impairs decision-making and response time.
Studies by the FAA have shown a marked decline in pilot performance after
long duty periods.

Countermeasures: Better scheduling, mandatory rest periods, and fatigue


risk management systems.

c. Automation Dependency

Over-reliance on automation may erode manual flying skills and the ability
to recover from automation failures.

Solution: Recurrent training that includes manual flying and raw data
interpretation.

5. Automation and Technological Gaps

a. Failure to Detect Input Errors

Aircraft systems often accept flawed data without validation, such as wrong
weight or temperature inputs.

Emerging Tech: Takeoff Performance Monitoring Systems (TOPMS)


These systems track acceleration trends and alert pilots in real time if
performance is below expectations.

b. Limitations of FMS and EFB Tools


Flight management systems and electronic flight bags (EFBs) require pilot
vigilance. Errors in app-based performance tools can go unnoticed.

Recommendation: Human-in-the-loop testing and better user interfaces.

6. Statistical Trends and Safety Reports

A 2023 report by the Flight Safety Foundation found that 17% of major
accidents in the last 10 years occurred during takeoff.

FAA reports indicate that 65% of student pilot accidents happen during
takeoff and landing.

NASA's ASRS database contains hundreds of voluntary reports by pilots


confessing to near-miss takeoff errors, most commonly involving
configuration and speed misjudgment.

Implication: Despite automation and modern technology, human oversight


remains the critical safety barrier.

7. Expanded Case Studies

Emirates Flight 407 (2009)

Weight entry error caused the aircraft to rotate late and suffer a tailstrike.
The pilots overestimated thrust available and barely cleared the airport
perimeter.
Comair Flight 5191 (2006)

Took off from a runway too short for their aircraft due to lack of proper
runway verification.

Spanair Flight 5022 (2008)

Flaps were not deployed for takeoff. The failure of the warning system and
human checklist oversight led to a crash killing 154.

Sunwing/Thomson Airways (2017)

A temperature misentry resulted in insufficient thrust for takeoff. Although


the aircraft became airborne, it struck runway lights.

8. Recommendations and Mitigation Strategies

a. Enhanced Training and Recurrent Checks

Focus on manual flying, flap/gear sequencing, and crosswind technique

Use of realistic simulators for high-stress scenarios

b. Performance Data Validation

Dual pilot verification of FMS inputs


Use of standardized takeoff data cards

c. Automation Aids

Deployment of TOPMS and acceleration monitoring tools

Use of cockpit voice analysis tools to detect checklist compliance

d. Procedural Reinforcement

Checklist completion callouts and visual confirmations

Reinforcement of sterile cockpit culture

e. Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Encourage open communication and error checking among cockpit crew

Empower first officers to challenge captains if inconsistencies arise

Conclusion

Takeoff-related pilot errors are often the result of a chain of small lapses
rather than a single catastrophic decision. From miscalculations and
distractions to fatigue and automation errors, the threats are multi-faceted.
However, each identified risk comes with a corresponding mitigation
strategy—be it technological, procedural, or cultural. By addressing these
risks with rigorous training, systemic safeguards, and a culture of
accountability, aviation can continue to minimize takeoff incidents and
improve overall flight safety.

References

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports

FAA Human Factors Analysis

Flight Safety Foundation, Annual Safety Reports (2020–2023)

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database

Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) case files

ICAO Human Performance Manuals

Airline Safety Audit (IOSA) data

Emirates Flight 407 Incident Report

Spanair Flight 5022 Final Report

Comair 5191 NTSB Accident Summary


Aviation Week & FlightGlobal analysis articles

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