Some disasters are destined to happen, nothing can avert it. Risk assessments may sound silly to some, but it does save lives to an extent. Deep down my heart, whatever might be the core reason for the recent Mangalore air crash, I feel it is largely due to the table-top runway that rest on top of a hilly terrain. A top official said "There have been no accidents in Mangalore airport till date, so cannot really blame the runway". Have they done a risk assessment for it? Have they considered a scenario if human error occurs, what are the chances of correcting it? If a plane overshoots the runway, can a disaster be prevented? There was a huge probability of a disaster to happen in this runway. A probability which turned into reality with 159 people on board perished at site.
India can learn a lesson from UK in this regard, I would say. Being a risk analyst in marine field, I know how norms and regulations are kept and followed here. All companies in UK even have to manage and assess risks at workplace. I am not exaggerating when I say that they take care of little things such as an exposed cable in the office walkway that pose as a hazard to the employees. They assess it and correct it as soon as possible. They do not wait till an employee trips over that cable.
By risk assessment, one cannot fully avert a disaster but can ofcourse minimise the degree of damage. Well, many lessons to be learnt from this mistake -a grave mistake which claimed 159 lives.
India can learn a lesson from UK in this regard, I would say. Being a risk analyst in marine field, I know how norms and regulations are kept and followed here. All companies in UK even have to manage and assess risks at workplace. I am not exaggerating when I say that they take care of little things such as an exposed cable in the office walkway that pose as a hazard to the employees. They assess it and correct it as soon as possible. They do not wait till an employee trips over that cable.
By risk assessment, one cannot fully avert a disaster but can ofcourse minimise the degree of damage. Well, many lessons to be learnt from this mistake -a grave mistake which claimed 159 lives.
Absolutely dearest anu..i completely agree with you. One should not wait for something to happen and then take corrective action. The same happened with the blast on September last to last year.
ReplyDeleteyes..very true:(
ReplyDeleteGood Analysis Anootty! I would shudder to land at such a place where a moment's mistake can take away so many lives.
ReplyDeleteThe experienced pilot landed after 6000 feet-with only 200 feet remianing- either there was a technical error or he had a psychological or physical problem at that moment which diverted his attention and concentration.
As you have rightly pointed out, no margin for the human errors have been considered at the table top runway.
I mean, 2000 feet remaining...
ReplyDeleteYes u are absolutely right.... to follow the risk management procedures. As i am now working in an airline industry with Emirates in flight crew management I see all the pilots and the first officers go though trainings even on the off days. they are perfect in what they do .But as we say a minute of distraction can change everything.
ReplyDeletethanks for the inputs..
ReplyDelete