Take-off and Landing are the Most Dangerous Parts of a Flight

The most perilous moments during a flight are not found in the cruising phase but rather during take-off and landing, with landing being particularly hazardous. It’s during these times that the aircraft is closest to the ground and moving at slower speeds, heightening the potential for accidents.

Pilots are exceptionally focused during these critical phases, dedicating their utmost attention to navigating the aircraft safely. Similarly, cabin crew members are fully concentrated, prepared to act swiftly in the event of an emergency.

Statistical analysis by Boeing highlights the risks associated with these phases. Between 1959 and 2016, 49% of all fatal crashes occurred during the final approach to landing. Furthermore, the take-off and initial climb phases accounted for an additional 14% of fatal accidents.

These statistics underline the reason behind the airline crew’s strict enforcement of safety instructions, such as fastening seatbelts and keeping window shades up during these crucial moments. Pilots often refer to successful landings as “controlled crashes,” emphasizing the inherent risks and the precision required to navigate them safely.

So why are take-off and landing the most dangerous phase in a flight?

The core reason why takeoff and landing are riskier than cruising altitude boils down to physics. During these phases, the relationship between the aircraft and gravity undergoes a significant shift.

• Proximity to the Ground: At cruising altitude, with miles of air beneath the aircraft, pilots have a margin for error in case of malfunctions. However, during takeoff, the aircraft is accelerating rapidly, striving to generate enough lift for sustained flight. Any technical issue or loss of control at this low altitude leaves minimal room for corrective maneuvers. Similarly, landing involves a controlled descent until just before touchdown, with limited options for regaining altitude if necessary.
• Aircraft Configuration: An airplane’s aerodynamic profile is carefully designed for optimal performance at different flight stages. During takeoff, flaps and slats are extended to increase lift at lower speeds. This altered configuration can affect handling characteristics compared to cruising flight, requiring additional pilot skill and attention. Landing involves extending landing gear and flaps again, introducing another change in the aircraft’s behavior.

Environmental influences further complicate these critical phases. Takeoffs and landings are more susceptible to the whims of nature. Wind shear, sudden and drastic changes in wind speed or direction, can significantly impact aircraft handling and stability, particularly during low-altitude maneuvers. Turbulence caused by air currents can also disrupt the smooth flow of the flight path. Low visibility due to fog, rain, or snow further complicates landing procedures, as pilots rely heavily on visual cues during this critical phase.

Take-Off

Take-off is indeed among the most critical and potentially hazardous phases of flight. This was demonstrated in the tragic incidents involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, where both Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft encountered issues during the climb phase, attributed to alleged malfunctions with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).

Bird strikes pose a serious threat to aircraft, particularly during takeoff when engines are operating at maximum power. Ingestion of birds into an engine can cause damage or even complete engine failure. Airports employ various strategies to mitigate bird hazards, such as habitat management and dispersal techniques, but the risk remains a concern. The incident famously known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” involving US Airways occurred during take-off. The aircraft experienced multiple bird strikes, leading to a flame-out of both engines and resulting in an emergency water landing.

While modern aircraft are designed with redundant systems to minimize this risk, a single engine failure can significantly reduce available thrust, making a safe climb more challenging. Pilots are extensively trained in emergency procedures to handle such situations, but the outcome can depend on factors like the remaining runway length and the aircraft’s weight.

Only 11% of fatal accidents happen during cruise level and this accounts for 57% of the flight phase based on a 1.5-hour flight. 

Landing is Equally Dangerous

Landing an aircraft is as dangerous as take-off as anything can happen during this phase. A landing gear malfunction can have disastrous consequences. If the landing gear fails to deploy, the aircraft will be forced to make a belly landing, which can cause significant damage to the fuselage and potentially injure occupants. Modern aircraft incorporate multiple backup systems and warning lights to minimize the likelihood of a landing gear malfunction. However, even the most advanced technology can have unforeseen issues.

Wind shear presents a significant threat during landing. Sudden changes in wind speed or direction can significantly impact an aircraft’s landing performance. Strong tailwinds can increase landing speed, potentially exceeding the safe limits for the aircraft and requiring additional runway length for a safe stop. Conversely, strong headwinds can make it difficult to maintain sufficient airspeed for a safe touchdown, potentially leading to a stall (loss of lift) if the pilot is not prepared. Pilots are trained to identify and react to wind shear events, and some airports utilize advanced wind shear detection systems to alert pilots of potential hazards.

Low visibility due to fog, rain, or other factors can make it challenging for pilots to judge their altitude and position during landing. Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated instrument landing systems (ILS) to guide pilots during low-visibility approaches. These systems provide precise horizontal and vertical guidance to the runway, allowing pilots to land safely even when visual cues are limited. However, ILS has limitations. It requires specialized training and certification for pilots to utilize effectively, and some airports may not have ILS capabilities. Furthermore, even with ILS, pilots still need to be able to see the runway at a certain minimum decision height to proceed with landing.

There is No Turning Back at V1 Speed

During take-off, the pilot announces two critical speeds: V1 and V2. V1 is known as the “commit to fly” speed, indicating that after reaching this speed, the aircraft must proceed to take off even in the event of an engine failure, making it the point of no return regarding the decision to stop. V2, conversely, is the minimum speed at which the aircraft must be able to climb safely even with one engine inoperative and is referred to as the “take-off safety speed.”

This underscores the importance of adhering to the fasten seatbelt sign and being alert until the pilot deactivates it. Even though air travel is remarkably safe today, readiness for any eventuality is crucial, especially since, in case of an engine failure during climb, it may take time for the pilot to prepare for and execute an emergency landing.

Thus, it’s vital to take the flight crew’s instructions seriously during both take-off and landing preparations, as these are among the most critical phases of the flight where adherence to safety protocols can be a matter of life and death.