Charkhi Dadri Mid Air Collision - (Saudia 763 & Kazakhstan Airlines 1907) DISASTER BREAKDOWN

Summary

The Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision on November 12, 1996, remains the deadliest in aviation history, involving Saudia Airlines Flight 763 and Kazakhstan Airlines Flight 1907. The incident occurred due to miscommunication between the air traffic controller and the flight crews, compounded by inadequate radar technology at Delhi's airport. While both aircraft were instructed to maintain specific altitudes, one failed to do so, leading to their tragic collision. The crash resulted in the loss of 349 lives, highlighting critical flaws in air traffic control protocols and technology that ultimately prompted significant changes in aviation safety regulations.

Takeaways

• ✈️ The Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision on November 12, 1996, is the deadliest incident of its kind, involving a Saudia Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin IL76.
• 📍 Both planes were flying in opposite directions within a busy air corridor near Delhi, complicating air traffic control.
• 👨‍✈️ The Saudia Airlines flight crew had varying levels of experience, with Captain Khalid Al-Shubaily piloting the aircraft with just over 100 hours logged on the 747.
• 👩‍✈️ The Kazakhstan Airlines crew included highly experienced pilots, but a breakdown in communication occurred regarding altitude assignments.
• 📡 Air traffic controller VK Dutta used only primary radar, which did not provide altitude or flight information, increasing the risk of collision.
• 🚫 The absence of advanced radar technology at Indira Gandhi Airport meant controllers relied heavily on pilots' adherence to altitude instructions.
• 📏 Both flights were cleared to maintain close altitudes—Saudia at 14,000 feet and Kazakhstan at 15,000 feet—creating a critical risk when the Kazakh flight descended below its assigned altitude.
• 💥 The collision occurred when the Ilyushin IL76's wing struck the Boeing 747's engine, resulting in a catastrophic explosion and the loss of all 349 people on board.
• 📊 Following the disaster, the mandatory installation of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) was implemented to enhance safety in the airspace.
• 📅 Since the Charkhi Dadri incident, no similar mid-air collision has occurred in the last 15 years, marking a significant improvement in aviation safety.

Q & A

What was the Charkhi Dadri Mid Air Collision?

The Charkhi Dadri Mid Air Collision was a tragic aviation incident that occurred on November 12, 1996, outside Delhi, India. It involved a Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin IL76, resulting in the deadliest mid-air collision in history, claiming 349 lives.

What were the circumstances leading to the collision?

Both aircraft were flying in opposite directions within a crowded airspace managed by a single air traffic controller. The Saudi flight was instructed to climb to 14,000 feet, while the Kazakhstan flight was cleared to descend to 15,000 feet, leading to their collision.

Who were the pilots of the Saudia Airlines Boeing 747?

The Saudia Airlines Boeing 747 was piloted by Captain Khalid Al-Shubaily and co-pilot Nazir Khan, both of whom had substantial flying experience, though Shubaily was relatively new to the Boeing 747.

What was the role of the air traffic controller in the incident?

The air traffic controller, VK Dutta, was responsible for managing both arriving and departing aircraft in a busy airspace. He provided instructions to both flights but lacked the advanced radar technology that would have given him critical altitude and heading information.

What technology could have potentially prevented the collision?

The Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which alerts flight crews about nearby aircraft, could have potentially prevented the collision. However, neither aircraft was equipped with TCAS at the time, as it was not mandatory.

How did communication issues contribute to the accident?

Communication issues within the Kazakhstan Airlines crew played a significant role. The radio operator failed to inform the other crew members of their assigned altitude, leading to the aircraft descending below the correct altitude.

What was the final outcome for both aircraft involved in the collision?

The collision resulted in the left wing of the IL76 clipping the right wing and engines of the Boeing 747, causing the Boeing to explode and crash. The IL76 continued to climb for a short time before falling to the ground.

How did the weather conditions affect the situation?

Both aircraft entered a cloud layer just before the collision, which likely obstructed visibility and made it difficult for the pilots to see each other, contributing to the disaster.

What were the changes made to airspace and regulations following this disaster?

In the aftermath of the Charkhi Dadri collision, airspace regulations in India were revised to ensure more separation between aircraft. TCAS was also mandated for commercial aircraft to enhance safety.

What was the human toll of the Charkhi Dadri incident?

The incident resulted in the deaths of 349 people on board both aircraft, making it the deadliest mid-air collision in aviation history. There were no fatalities on the ground despite one building being destroyed.