10 Causes of Plane Crash: Preventive Measures (2025 Updated)

Plane crashes are not that commonly heard of, but when they do occur, they make headlines. Such tragic events cause great loss of life as well as property damage.

There have been 15 fatal airplane crashes all over the world in the year 2021, as per reports. These crashes were mainly due to technical faults, bad weather conditions, or human error.

There is nothing worse than losing a loved one in an airplane accident. The grief is unimaginable. You might be wondering what causes such accidents. The reasons vary and could be anything from technical faults to bad weather conditions.

Sometimes, it is also due to human error. We will be discussing the main causes of plane crashes and what preventive measures can be taken to avoid them. Given below are the major reasons behind airplane crashes.

Major Reasons Behind Plane Crashes

So folks, without any further ado, let us jump right in and take a look at the reasons behind plane crashes.

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Weather Conditions

The most common reason for an airplane crash is bad weather conditions. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, crosswinds, etc., can make flying very difficult for the pilot. In such conditions, it is quite easy for the plane to lose control and crash. Sudden changes in the weather can also create problems.

Pilots have to be very careful while flying in bad weather conditions. They must always keep an eye on the radar and be in constant communication with the air traffic control tower.

The problem with nature is that it is unpredictable. So, even if the pilot is taking all the necessary precautions, there can still be an accident. No one can do anything about it.

For example, in 2007, TAM Airlines Flight #3054 crashed in Brazil due to a thunderstorm. The plane overshot the runway while landing and crashed into a gas station, killing all 187 people on board as well as 12 people on the ground. Such accidents are unavoidable, and nature is to be blamed for them.

Human Error

Plane crashes can also occur due to human error. The pilot might make a mistake while flying the plane, or the air traffic controller might give the wrong instructions. There have been many cases where the pilot has made an error while landing the plane, resulting in an accident. These errors can be due to fatigue, stress, or distraction.

Pilots are human beings, and they can make mistakes. That is why it is important for them to go through proper training before flying a plane. They must also be well-rested and not stressed out. Air traffic controllers also play a vital role in preventing accidents.

They should be alert at all times and give clear instructions to the pilots. All these measures will help to avoid accidents caused by human error.

Technical Problems in The Airplane

Another common reason for airplane crashes is technical problems in the plane. These are mainly technical problems related to the technology that is used in airplanes.

The most common problems are with the controls, engine, or landing gear. If any of these things fail, it can lead to an accident.

It is important for the airplane to undergo regular maintenance so that such problems can be detected and fixed before they lead to an accident. Also, pilots must be properly trained to deal with such situations. They should know how to troubleshoot the problem and land the plane safely.

Bird Strikes

Bird strikes are another common cause of airplane crashes. When a bird gets sucked into the engine, it can cause a lot of damage. In some cases, it might even lead to engine failure. This is a very serious problem as it can put the lives of all the passengers at risk.

Various measures can be taken to avoid bird strikes. Pilots must be aware of the areas where there is a high risk of bird strikes. They should avoid flying in such areas. Airports should also take measures to keep birds away from the runway. For example, they can place nets around the area to prevent birds from entering.

Mechanical Problems in The Airplane

Mechanical problems can also cause airplane crashes. These could be due to faults in the engine, landing gear, or any other part of the plane.

In some cases, the problem might not be with the plane but with the air traffic control system. There have been many instances where a technical glitch in the system has led to an accident.

It is important to have proper maintenance and inspection procedures in place so that such problems can be detected and fixed before they lead to an accident. Overall, there are many different causes of airplane crashes.

Read: What Is The Minimum Age To Get A Pilot License?

Communication Error

Another potential cause of airplane crashes is communication errors. This can happen between the pilot and air traffic control or between the crew and passengers.

In some cases, it might even happen between different members of the crew. Communication problems can lead to misunderstandings and confusion, which can eventually lead to an accident.

There have been many cases where the wrong information was passed on to the pilot, resulting in an accident. For example, in 2013, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport.

The reason for the accident was that the ground workers gave incorrect instructions to the pilot. This led to the plane hitting the seawall and eventually crashing.

It is important for ground workers to be properly trained. They should know how to communicate with the pilots and pass on the correct information. Also, they should be aware of the potential hazards around the airport so that they can warn the pilots about them.

It is important for everyone involved in flying the plane to have clear and concise communication. There should be no room for misunderstanding or confusion. All instructions must be conveyed clearly, and everyone must be on the same page.

Mistakes by The Ground Workers

Groundworkers also play a vital role in ensuring the safety of airplanes. They are responsible for fueling the plane, checking the engine, and loading the baggage. If they make any mistakes while doing their job, it could lead to an accident.

There have been many instances where a plane crashed due to a mistake made by the ground workers. They need to be properly trained and follow all the safety procedures. They should also be aware of the potential hazards around the airport.

Read: How Difficult Is It To Get A Private Pilot License?

Preventive Measures to Avoid Airplane Crashes

Various preventive measures can be taken to avoid airplane crashes. Some of these measures are:

Improve Training for Pilots and Ground Workers

The training of pilots and ground workers is very important. They should be properly trained so that they can deal with different situations. They should also be made aware of the potential hazards around the airport.

Improve Communication Between The Crew and Air Traffic Control

In order to avoid misunderstandings and confusion, it is important to have clear and concise communication between different members of the crew.

There should also be proper communication between the crew and air traffic control. All instructions must be conveyed clearly so that there is no room for misunderstanding or confusion.

It is Important To Have Proper Maintenance

It is very important to have proper maintenance and inspection procedures in place. This will help to detect and fix any problems before they lead to an accident. To ensure the safety of the airplane, it is important to have proper maintenance.

Avoid Flying in Areas Where There is a High Risk of Bird Strikes

One of the leading causes of airplane crashes is bird strikes. To avoid this, it is important to avoid flying in areas where there is a high risk of bird strikes. Pilots should be aware of these areas and take measures to avoid them.

Improve The Air Traffic Control System

The air traffic control system is very important for the safety of airplanes. It is responsible for coordinating the movement of planes in the sky. To avoid accidents, it is important to improve the air traffic control system.

Train Ground Workers Properly

Groundworkers play a very important role in the safety of airplanes. They are responsible for fueling the plane, checking the engine, and loading the baggage.

If they make any mistakes while doing their job, it could lead to an accident. To avoid this, it is important to train ground workers properly and make them aware of the potential hazards around.

Improve Safety Procedures for All Members of The Crew and Passengers

There are many different safety procedures that should be followed by all members of the crew and passengers. To ensure the safety of everyone on board, it is important to improve these safety procedures.

Read: Ultralight Airplanes: Everything You Need to Know

Summary

Overall, there are many different causes of plane crashes. By taking some preventive measures, the risks can be reduced. However, accidents can still happen even if all the safety measures are in place.

Therefore, it is important to be prepared for an accident and know what to do in such a situation. All members of the crew and passengers should be aware of the safety procedures so that they can act quickly and efficiently in the event of an accident.

We hope that this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them in the section below. Thank you for reading!