Kegworth Air Disaster

Overview

The Kegworth air disaster occurred on January 8, 1989, when British Midland Flight 92, a Boeing 737-400, crashed onto the M1 motorway near Kegworth, Leicestershire, England. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of 47 people and injuries to 74 others. The flight was en route from London Heathrow Airport to Belfast International Airport.

Background

• Aircraft: The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-400, a relatively new model at the time, having been introduced to British Midland’s fleet just a few months earlier.
• Flight Details: The flight took off from London Heathrow at 19:52 GMT, with 126 people on board, including 118 passengers and 8 crew members.

Sequence of Events

1. Engine Malfunction: Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 28,300 feet, the aircraft experienced a malfunction in the left engine. The pilots misidentified the source of the problem and shut down the right engine, which was functioning correctly.

2. Descent and Crash: With the left engine still operating at reduced power and the right engine shut down, the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude. The crew attempted an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport. However, as the plane approached the runway, it lost power and crashed onto the embankment of the M1 motorway, just short of the airport.

Investigation and Findings

• Cause of Engine Failure: The investigation revealed that the left engine had suffered a fan blade fracture, leading to a compressor stall.
• Crew Error: The primary cause of the crash was identified as pilot error. The crew mistakenly shut down the wrong engine due to a lack of familiarity with the new engine instrument displays and inadequate training on the 737-400 model.
• Contributing Factors: The report also highlighted issues with the aircraft’s design and the airline’s training procedures.

Aftermath and Impact

• Regulatory Changes: The disaster led to significant changes in pilot training and aircraft design. Emphasis was placed on better training for handling engine malfunctions and improved cockpit instrumentation.
• Safety Improvements: The accident prompted the aviation industry to enhance safety protocols, particularly in the areas of crew resource management and emergency response.

Broader Significance

The Kegworth air disaster underscored the critical importance of proper training and the need for clear, intuitive cockpit displays. It also highlighted the potential consequences of human error in aviation, leading to improvements that have contributed to the overall safety of air travel.

The disaster remains a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in aviation safety and the continuous efforts required to prevent similar tragedies in the future.