Investigator says 'non-standard' airport caused Mangalore air crash


Investigator says 'non-standard' airport caused Mangalore air crash

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 27: Air India Express flight No IX 812 from Dubai had crashed at the airport here while landing on the morning of May 22, 2010. It was a black day for the table-top airport here, with 158 out of 166 persons on board, including the pilot and the cabin crew, losing their lives in the accident. The probe ordered by the government into the causes of the accident had come with the verdict of pilot error, after investigating various aspects including the recordings in the black box.

However, as per a report published by The New Indian Express, Capt Samir Kohli, who is widely recognized as an expert in the field of air accidents investigation, has, after looking into various aspects, come to the conclusion that the said accident was caused mainly as the airport here was a ‘non-standard’ one.

Kohli had served the field for 30 years, with 21 years in the Indian Navy and nine years in the field of civil aviation. During his service, Kohli had won Nausena Medal for Gallantry in 1988, Commendation from Chief of Naval Staff in 2006, President’s silver medal, Chief of Air Staff Trophy for best in Air Traffic Management Training, among others. After leaving the navy, Kohli had joined Bangalore International Airport Ltd as a civil aviation expert. He had served in the area of building and designing runways and formulation of safety and operating procedures. He worked there till 2009, before building a flight academy and redesigning Thumamah Airport near Riyadh. He has now been functioning as an aviation advisor to Agip Oil Ecuador Company in Ecuador.

In the report published by The New Indian Express, Kohli says that at the request of 812 Foundation formed by the families of the above air crash victims, he had undertaken detailed investigation into the causes which led to this air crash. He says in spite of facing problems in pooling data and conducting inspection, he had obtained different records by filing applications under Right to Information Act over a prolonged period.  He has since arrived at the conclusion that the airport here was built in non-standard method, that led to the tragedy.

"It took me almost one year to get all the facts from the authorities as answers were evasive...I found out that the reason for the crash was that the Mangalore Airport was built in a non-standard method with a concrete structure that was non-frangible and just 200 metres from the runway. The entire wing of the plane was sheared off when it hit this concrete structure and this led to the explosion," the report quotes Capt Samir.

He also has found that only six out of the 158 who died had fatal injuries, while the others had died of burns due to fire. He opines that failures and negligence on the part of government machinery and Directorate General of Civil Aviation were apparent in the case.

Kohli says that armed with a report of his findings, the forum representing the families of the air crash victims, who have been fighting for higher amounts of compensation, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Captain Samir Kohli, Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    The aircraft touched down ahead of its normal point. The Captain ignored many warnings. Why? The answer lies in Aviation Medicine aspects. In book “Waiting…To Happen!”, I have presented evidence to show that the Captain was suffering from Hypoxia – or lack of oxygen supply to his brain. This condition was brought about due to many factors, all of which have also been explained, but essentially, it is deficient and outdated Primary Aviation Regulation in India that allowed this condition to be caused.
    The second issue is that once the plane touched down well ahead and could not stop within the available runway length, what happens next?
    Every runway needs to have a “Runway End Safety Area” or RESA of sand or soft ground to reduce speed of any aircraft that over-runs the runway. However, RESA at Mangalore Airport was 1/3rd of the required length. It was also hard ground and could not reduce the speed of the aircraft.
    Every structure inside the protected “Runway Strip” of an airport needs to be Frangible, i.e. in the event of impact with an aircraft, it should break without causing any damage to the aircraft. However, inside this runway strip area existed the ILS localizer mounted on a CONCRETE base. Wing of the aircraft impacted with this concrete structure and sheared off, causing fuel to leak and come in contact with the engine that was still operating. This is what resulted in the fire.
    Airports have to be constructed so that the controller can keep a visual contact with landing aircraft. However, the runway end was not visible from the Tower and for this reason, no one was looking at the aircraft. ATC tapes show, even 5 minutes after the crash, the Controller is recorded calling the aircraft and issuing instructions for back-track and taxi to Apron! This resulted in a delayed ARFF response. Only 6 out of 158 killed had fatal injuries. Rest 152 died due to burns and smoke in the lungs.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Captain Samir Kohli, Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Once the plane touched down well ahead and could not stop within the available runway length, then what happens? Every runway needs to have a “Runway End Safety Area” or RESA constructed of sand or soft ground to arrest the speed of aircraft. However, the RESA at Mangalore Airport was 1/3rd of the required length. It was also hard ground. As a result the aircraft went over this without any reduction of its speed.
    Every structure that needs to exist inside the protected “Runway Strip” area of the aircraft needs to be Frangible, i.e. in the event of impact with an aircraft, it should break without causing any damage to the aircraft. However, first, the runway strip at Mangalore was about half the standard size. Secondly, inside this reduced runway strip area, existed the ILS localizer mounted on a CONCRETE base. Right wing of the aircraft impacted with this concrete structure and sheared off, causing fuel to leak and come in contact with the engine that was still operating. This is what resulted in the fire that consumed everyone and everything. only 6 of 158 that died had fatal injuries, other 152 died of burns.
    Airports have to be constructed so that ATC controller can see the entire operational area and keep a visual contact with landing aircraft. However, at Mangalore, the runway end was not visible from the Tower and for this reason, no one was looking at the aircraft. ATC tapes show that even 5 minutes after the crash, the Controller was not aware of the crash and he is recorded calling the aircraft and issuing instructions for back-track and taxi to Apron!
    No crash alarm was ever sounded and fire fighting vehicles responded only when the bystanders informed that they have seen fire at the runway end.
    No crash simulation exercise was ever conducted at Mangalore Airport. The staff in Fire Fighting department was not prepared to deal with a situation of an aircraft in the ravine and took 30 minutes to reach.
    For details refer to my book "Waiting...To Happen"!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Evans Christopher Sumitra, Udupi/Dubai/New York,USA.

    Mon, Mar 03 2014

    How come Mangalore old airport became "non standard". I have traveled many many times to the same airport during all seasons of the year, but so far I had no problem. Even during monsoon season landing was difficult due to clouds and rains but it was a perfect landing.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Begum, saudi arabia

    Sun, Mar 02 2014

    THE PILOT CAN DRINK AND SLEEP IF AIRPORT IS STANDARD IS IT???????????WHICH IS CORRECT BLACK BOX FINDINGS OR KOHLIS REPORT?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. Saldanha, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 01 2014

    As usual, non-standard comments with no substance at all.
    God Bless us all & our Mangalore. I have no hopes in "Namma Kudla".

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 01 2014

    I do not agree with Wilfy that there should be an airport at Padubidri. Why Wilfy is asking for a Airport there. Is it near to his house so that he could go home easily. Does he want to displace more people just to build an airport. Isn't it wise to lengthen and widen the present runway so that flights could land safely. So far so many flights have landed there safely. How could he say it is unsafe. All manglaoreans petitions to the PM and C/Aviation Minister to increase the runway in the eastern side.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfy, Mangalore/UAE

    Sun, Mar 02 2014

    Dear Ruben
    Padubidri is not at all near to my house so it wasn't the reason I wrote that comment. You said about increasing runway, but where is the place to increase? Cliffs and valleys around the airport. When implementing international standards, we should have enough scalable provisions into it. Having a new airport is always much better than loosing life.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben, Mangalore

    Sun, Mar 02 2014

    Dear Wilfy, to shift a airport from one place to another would cost too much that would land on people as a tax. Many, many people would be homeless,displaced and agriculture plantations will be lost. By filling 65ft deep valley in eastern side would be ideal for the extension of the runway. Because there are no houses. I think they will consider that part only. There is a tabletop airport in Spain/Portugal, the runway extended by putting columns in the sea. It came in the internet during the air crash in Mangalore.
    In Mangalore also they can do.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • ruchir agarwal, Mangalore

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    Eula I agree with you one hundred percent !!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eulalia Dsouza, Bija/ Mangalore

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    It is unfortunate that we lost 158 lives almost 04 years. Now we hear Mangalore Airport is " Non Standard " by some report. May I ask, how could so many thousands of flights land and take off safe, after this crash, if our airport is " Non standard" .!!
    Why is this happening to mar the image of our City Airport? What Lobby is playing Politics behind all these reports I wonder.
    Come on officials wake up and ensure we prove that Our Mangalore Airport is safe and will continue to be safe.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfy, Mangalore/UAE

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    All, demand for a new airport in Padubidri as it was a plan before upgrading the Mangalore airport. Enough of this table top airport. Any error and there isn't space to overcome it. Deep valleys and cliffs around airport. Don't we have a plain land? Can't the concerned authorities plan properly before building airport? This is the only 2nd international airport in Karnataka what an apathy. Padubidri or Udupi is an ideal place so people from Karwar and Shimoga can also be benefited. Hopefully gold lobby also may come down since it's far for Kasargodians!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • balanna, Mangalore / Dubai

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    There are hidden forces and lobby working to depress Mangalore airport right from the beginning. Is this one of them?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Imran, Udupi

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    Runways
    Direction Length Surface
    FT MT
    09/27 5,300 1,615 Asphalt
    06/24 8,038 2,450 Concrete

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • taurojohn, mangalore/malad

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    It took so long to understand the standards and non standards of the airport for such a vast experience, Mr Kohli.so now, whom to blame , is it the Mangalore airport was approved by blind officials.what is the remedy now?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • M S, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Naach na Jaane Aangan Tedaa.. if the Airport ws substandard, it wouldn't handle the domestic operations..

    That accident was a total human error..
    The investigation didn't highlight the forensic report of the pilot..which is crucial..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • ruchir agarwal, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    We cannot blame anyone for the accident. Of course the runway was a little short but so far before may 22nd, 2010 many aircrafts have landed safely.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • VR, Udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    If they can extend the new runway by another 2000 feet and have a CAT III system installed, it will be a safe airport to land even under poor visibility. And, the old runway needs to be extended by another 1000 feet or so as a secondary runway and for use by smaller aircraft. These upgrades will of course cost quite a bit of money. But, it will make travel much more safer.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    India is so big country compares to GCC still India is begging for extra land to expand the runway.
    See the gulf countries, I appreciate the way the built and mange the Airports even very small land they have compared to us.

    It looks like the mother of 12 children still begging when the mother of one happy.
    Seems all our politicians run away ??

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dayanand Bangera, Katapady / Abu Dhabi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    As I said earlier also airport is the gift from the Mangalorean political lobby ( to reach their home immediately after landing )and others supported for their own benefit. Now the current generation has to experience it.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • For Justice, Abu Dhabi / Ubar

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Non standard AIRPORT or REPORT?

    DisAgree [8] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore / Kuwait

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    In the past crashes have occurred in Mumbai and Bangalore also. Once in New York the plane landed in the sea near the airport. Should we blame the airports in such cases?

    DisAgree [9] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    We need a new airport with a bigger runway to service large aircraft's from all over the world.
    I am sure Modi will provide us with a GENUINE International Airport and not FAKE...

    DisAgree [15] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I do not agree with Kohli's report. Kohli's expertise did not state that Pilot was drinking/sleeping & the aircraft landed at half runway.Our politicians like Moily/ Oscar do nothing to extend the runway. In this year's budget allocation any amount set aside for runway expansion. I do not think so. Only polit(r)ics. It is not 'non-standard airport', it is a 'non-standard report'.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • balanna, Mangalore / Dubai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    It would not be fair to say this. Every day tens of flight are landing and taking off from this airport. There could be multiple causes for this accident.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajiv Santhosh Goveas, Kadri Toll Gate

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I will not agree with the headline of this article.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • kodialda muthu, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I dnt know what people will they say for the Calicut international airport?? it is similar to Mangalore, table top runway almost same length and problems of bad weather. Almost 3 times accidents have happened since it was formed, but no loss of lives. Table top runways are not bad. Mr Kohli would understand better if he was at the airport on 22 may people were waiting at arrival. Fragility is a different parameter (take off impact). Radar was not functioning on that day as per my knowledge. I suspect the air traffic control fault. Mr kohli please redo the investigation.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Surendra Poojari, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Can our MP's or MLA's act now at least? All we have is useless representatives. Good for nothing. We have great Moily and Oscar in Delhi. What these people are doing in Delhi? Not able to get international standard airport at Mangalore? Shame on these corrupt and useless politicians.Mangaloreans should boycott the elections until the airport standards are upgraded at Mangalore.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Achhu, Mlore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Investigator not required to say it.. Anyone can say it in first look itself.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Benny, Anjuna

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The airport was a small when built,but had served the purpose in the olden days of Dakota flights. But it was improved and became international due to corrupt hotel lobby and vested interests. So now two things that have come out in different investigations are true. 1. Pilot error with ample evidence.
    2.A Sub standard airport where the escape route was nil. A longer runway and level ground beyond the perimeter would have no doubt saved more lives.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Glen Cletus , Doha/mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Janardhana acharya ,Bangalore /udipi,
    We r unable to comprehend your comment. Pls try to elucidate ur comment wid proper grammar next time

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • vivek, hirebile

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Actually and unfortunately this is the truth...Manglore Airport is become international because the lobby of N.R.I who residing in Gulf country...it is not International airport please ...... don't risk human lives..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • tresa, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mangalore Airport is known to the world as a table top airport and about the runway also. So when flying, the pilot will obviously be doing the study before taking the assignment. Why not Mr. Kohli is simply saying it was a human error and take pains to take up the above issue and make effort to set right the things. Gone are the lives and dragging about it for time pass is no point.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Edward C Maben, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The pilot was not new to this airport, or runway. The plane touched down very late into the runway. The only possible thing he had to do is take off again. Like the black box suggests, although the pilot was given suggestions by the co pilot, to lift off again, circle and do a second landing fell on deaf ears. When the pilot actually attempted it was too late. So this is human error. Every pilot coming to Mangalore knows it is a table top runway. Still, I don't recollect many accidents here. Perhaps the only one before this was the flight on which Moily was flying. So now why the blame goes to the runway. Is it to hide facts.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    On the face of it, it is clear that the choice of this hilly area for a civilian AP was a wrong choice from the long term point of view, it was fine till some small aircraft and fewer flights were operating, but now with large planes and many landings/takeoffs another site should have been chosen to make an airport of true international standards like Mumbai or Bangalore!! Because ten years from now if they decide to fly directly to the West and use of Dreamliner and other huge aircraft will be unavoidable in such a situation what will they do is anybody's guess!! Jai Hind!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subash Pai, Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Edward it is important, how good one is driving but equally important, how good the road should be. Here we are talking about an Airport and in a vast region like undivided DK the new airport would have been in a more level area than on the hill top.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pavan Kumar, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The whole world knows, Mangalore Airport is not up to the International Standard. Kholi's finding is nothing but only political gimmicks. First of all, there is not even formed a standardized investigation method to find the exact cause of the accident and its remedial actions. All Substandard investigation authorities have come with substandard reports and findings. of course, Mangalore Airport definitely needs better place for its international standard. The said accident was happen mainly human error contributing with other remarkable causes. I can say any findings does not ignore the loss of lives and their families.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Hemanth, Mangaluru

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mr. Kohli’s report is not clear if the fateful aircraft could have stopped even before reaching the concrete structure and under what circumstances aircraft reached that area.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • vnayak, mangalore/switzerland

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Why does the report not mention the pilot sleeping (even snoring) at the controls and landing in the middle of the runway from where not even the best runway is not long enough.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Irf, Udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I disagree, if he was sleeping or snoring then who had brought the aircraft in position to land?

    DisAgree [13] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • prakash, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    It is very simple and clear, In this case if the runway had adequate length i don't think so the pilot would have tried a Go/Around (if he had tried one) the Aircraft would have come to a stand still may be at the end of the runway. If they don't take the corrective methods ( increasing the length of runway this will a a ticking time bomb waiting to happen again. Simple question, if someone wants to abort a take off run for some technical reason, can they do successfully? Forget about the landings...have anyone considered this?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • ibrahim kaleel, Ulla Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Why built the new airport in the same place hill area? gvt found a place only in the bajpe hill station? Plenty of ground in various surround in Mangalore...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subash Pai, Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mr. Kolhi is 100% right. First of all, this place is not suitable for the Airport. Hundreds of feet above sea level. In normal circumstances, it is under the clouds. We can imagine during rainy season. Some selfish people's motto is the result of this airport as if we do not have land to do it. In the few years Mangalore City will expand and it will be the biggest obstacle. Padubidri was proposed for this Airport, which would have been ideal in the long run.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gurudath, M'lore/Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mangalore runway is good except for very large aircraft.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    A Airport, and it is nonstandard!!! it is hard to believe!!!So Govt. of India and airport Authority is risking the life of the people who travel from this airport!! Again, hard to believe!!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher, Udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    A substandard airport decided by the substandard asses for the masses.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAISON, M'LORE

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Nothing is standard in m'lore........Flyovers,Roads,Railway station,Gvernment hospitals,schools and offices,and the list goes on

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Sir,on a lighter note, only the rates of land and flats are going up like anything, and that is the only exceptional standard!!

    DisAgree Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mangalore airport is non standard and open to threats. Brainless people decided to have the international airport on top of a hill which is risky for both takeoff and landing. A slight error in takeoff and landing will definitely result in a crash where the aircraft will fall down in the pit and catch fire. Authorities should have given importance to safety standards and shifted it to a safe place as there was an opportunity to move. I am sure now all the passengers hold their breath and pray for safety while takeoff and landing at Bajpe airport.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinod, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    If runway or the airport by itself was sub-standard who approved the airport operations?
    Is the passenger supposed to investigate the validity of airports before travel???

    DisAgree [1] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Since much before this tragic incident which snuffed away the lives of innocent people there were studies and claims that this tabletop AP is dangerous and PILs were filed, but dismissed by the hon. Courts in their wisdom tell that it had indeed been a faulty place to build an AP to cater to civilian aircraft!! And an infrangible concrete structure which smashed the wing of the aircraft was not supposedly as per international guidelines!!

    Moreover, it is said that only expert pilots who are having the ability to land on curtailed airstrips are deployed in this sector!!!

    Since there were very good sites at other places to build an airport adhering to all safety standards, the choosing of this site tells that it was due to business and other vested interests who did not want to get the AP shifted!! Jai Hind!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nazeer Mohammed, Bajpe

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Then how come the flights used to land earlier and also landing now safely if the runway is short.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    So what's the use ? , ignorant people still use it !. May be therz no other choice , but if one can feel the agony of people in that flight and their last moments , the extra trouble passengers face by switching to other near by airports is nothing. The airport itself will never get closed because of land mafia and vested interests involved.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Your comment makes no sense and is full of "BS"

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Kohli is absolutely right. The runway length at this airport does not meet international standards.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Brahmavar/Sharjah

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    What is next after investigation ? Can we name this airport Non standard Mangalore Internation Aiport? It is the foolishness of the government and authority after knowing the fact wrong place chosen for airport and again expansion. If recover one ministers scam money we can construct a better airport in plain area and this current airport only can be used for ministers helicopter landing.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Shankarnarayan, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Pilots are instructed do short landing to save fuel. Many pilots are trained to do so. Pilots are made to overwork due to a shortage. Now Air India express is trying to escape from giving more compensation that's why they are putting the blame on the airport. Now no point in blaming each other. It is a tragic & a painful accident from which we have not recovered. The concerned organization should arrange for the compensation to the kin at the earliest.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Dr. Saab you are confused, where did AI say that it is airport fault?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kodialda muthu, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    This airport is a table top airport with big concrete runway also one of India best maintained international airport as per the international standards, by AAI. The black box is the proof for pilot error. The weather conditions were also horrible the day this incident happened I remember. He tried to take off after overshooting the runway and hit the concrete thing causing fire and fell in the valley (pilot error). I agree standards were not in place then, but now it's perfect. Incidents happen bcz of human error, the other side of the coin.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Glenn, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Sometimes I wonder how a critical project like airport get approved.There are international engineering standards, adhering aviation industry norms with top priority on safety issues.If an aviation expert considers it as non-standard, then how to trust airport construction method and authorities.This certainly indicates that every flight landing at Mangalore airport at potential risk.Recently we lost direct flight to Mangalore from Kuwait.This report by expert chilling my spine.Anyway,jai Konkan railway!Henceforth I will be on your berth to live long on earth! Via Mumbai is always better.Better be late than never.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mustafa, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Standard or non-standard doesn't matter to the families of the deceased, still they didnt get enough help(money) from the Air India. We, the travelers paying huge amount as a user's fee/surcharge, still our lives have no guarantee.
    The past is gone, please help the families who lost their bread earners...
    I know an old man who was working as a waiter in a cafeteria-Sharjah was coming back to his Home for his daughter's marriage after long period collecting some money/gold for that, lost his life in this accident. A lot of good people helped him to buy gold, but at last nothing left, not even help from the Indian Airlines.
    Ban those airlines, ban reliance insurance co and the Mangalore airport..!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • dinesh shetty, Nitte/Dubai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Its is a crystal truth that the Mangalore airport is an substandard airport at that time, the incident occurred. As per ICARO standard the runway length must be more than 9K but in IXE is less than that. The ATC should be clearly visible all around the runway, but in Mangalore which was situated near the first runway 9/27 which is old airport..its an utter nonsense how the DGCA/AAI approved to operate the runway 6/24 is an million dollar question. The ILS category 1 which is instrumental for landing, navigation was out of order at that time...my friends, it's an criminal offense if it had happened in western countries and responsible agencies/officers under the Bar at this time. In simple word the airport would have been shut from operation by these much deficiencies.But in India everything possible.Our brothers and sisters of undivided southcanara lost life unkown faults of their.who will be there now to hear the voice of the victims

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen kunder, udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    dinesh shetty Nitte/Dubai..I am shocked to know this..till now everyone had a impression of pilot error..Its a time to think twice to fly in Mangalore airport

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • karthik.ks, Doha Qatar

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I think Daiji has to try an get clarification from Mr Vasudeva former director operation Mangalore airport for this. If it is true..he is solely responsible for the incident

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Austin Santhosh, Haleangadi/Bahrain

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Good Joke. Every Mangalorean knew that Bajpe Airport was not safe. From our childhood, we grown up hearing the stories like - Bajpe was not a suitable place for constructing the Airport. Nandikoor was the right place, but since our former MP Srinivas Mallya was very close to Jawaharlal Nehru, he succeeded to get the Airport constructed in Bajpe, so that only Dakota Flights can Land. However, not it looks like safe. But we gulf travelers are unsafe in the hands of Corrupt Customs Officers. Can Mr. Kohli investigate this too?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore / Kuwait

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Initially the airport at Bajpe was an airstrip constructed by the British for use as a stopover for their fighter jets. Later it was expanded into an airport during tenure of first PM Nehru. Interestingly Pandit Nehru was also the first passenger to arrive at Bajpe Airport.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • rohan, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The initial report blamed the fault on the pilots.Who both being dead could get anything.But now this truth coming out Govt.should take immediate measures to review safety standards of airport. Shifting of airport within DK itself is another way. But by standardizing safety measures would save lot of Govt cost and of course precious lives of many in the future. It seems appointed Ministers are busy with elections and not with real issues affecting DK.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEACE LOVER, INDIA

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Extension of the runway from 8166 feet to 11866 feet was suppose to start and land was acquired for this purpose. Is it completed?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • JANARDHANA ACHARYA, BANGALORE/UDIPI

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The Airport is a perfect one. I read that the pilot was a foreigner. He landed and raised how can you do that? If you land slowly takes that. I think the people of that region only should become piltot for Mangalore. It was a pilot error. This is mountain terra, one should have a concentration. Now they have merged old and new airport runway. It's big. You know earlier KANCHINADKA WAS A PROPOSED LOCATION. Piltos or for that matter one should read Ramayana and learn abt Hanumantha to know what exactly the meaning of following steps.

    DisAgree [38] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manglorean, Melbourne

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Mangalore airport is truly substandard. Standards nowhere close to a decent airport.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Moideen, Mangalore, Dubai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I am still scared to travel to Mangalore airport, feels as if landed in Hampankatta concrete road

    DisAgree [9] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    First and foremost, the very investigation system in such big air crash itself is 'Non-standard'....

    DisAgree [3] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I landed on Mangalore Airport on 24th Feb 2014 with a rosary in my hand...

    DisAgree [23] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh S, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    ..i remember a Christian brother from Bajpe, who was fighting since a decade against the expansion of Airport & construction of new airport and arguing that the area is not fit to construct Airport..its tragedy that even courts not helped this man, if he would have succeeded we could have saved 158 lives..

    DisAgree [4] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • devdas, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Could we have the name of the Christian gentleman who had opposed the new airport. I too had heard of him, but have forgotten his name. He may be having all records with which he fought this case. He might be the best source for information regarding this issue.God knows what excuse the judge will give who threw out his case from the court.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore / Kuwait

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I too forgot his name. He proposed the construction of the runway on the plain land, extending from the old terminal building towards Bajpe Town, until the present police station. Unfortunately, his proposal was blocked or prevented from getting approval by some vested interests, for reasons better known to them.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    This is absolutely right. The Mangalore airport itself is non-standard airport and this is the only cause, why this Dubai bound aircraft IX 812 has met this fate on 22nd May 2010 at early morning hours.

    Appreciate Capt Samir Kohli very open , true investigation report.
    Definitely a few politicians and some vested interested people will dispute this.
    Enough is Enough. The best solution is move this international airport to the different safe area in coastal DK and hand over this airport to defense department for military purpose.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    I still feel really sad for people who lost their lives on this flight, It's sad for the families, where their loved one who gave them the best memories, become a memory till date. I know it’s hard to forget someone who gave you’ll so much to remember...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lingappa, Kuppepadavu/Amsterdam

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    A new bloke has woken up after 4 years ... get a life mate !!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, karkala

    Thu, Feb 27 2014


    AAI is responsible for the deadly crash and compensation should be provided by AAI and Air India Express both.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Willy, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    The airport is perfect. This is the only one case in 50 years time. What was the pilot and co pilot doing, was their landing perfect??? So why blame the airport. So next time at any airport this type of crash takes place, we will say its non standard airport. God help us all.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.S.D'Souza, Udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    Are you an aviation expert to give the certificate of perfection ? Mangalore airport is a sub standard airport right from the beginning.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suleman Beary, Udupi

    Thu, Feb 27 2014

    This non standard airport is now standardized? or he is talking about old runway?.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arjun, India

    Fri, Feb 28 2014

    Suleman bhai asked the correct question. It would have been better to give a sense of relief to people who fly by stating whether the airport is now safe or not! Daiji should also make an effort to include own opinion/question the author of the report so that current status can also be provided for valid question raised by Suleman bhai.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Investigator says 'non-standard' airport caused Mangalore air crash



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