So, what really happens when something unsettling occurs during a flight? While air travel is considered one of the safest ways to get around, certain common problems can arise while cruising at high altitudes.
“Technical issues” tend to be par for the course when flying, and aircraft are designed with backup systems and warnings to keep pilots informed. It’s interesting to note that pilots undergo thorough training for these types of situations, which helps maintain safety.
Most of these technical glitches lead to delays rather than serious incidents. Recently, a publication took a closer look at some of the most frequent “scary” malfunctions passengers might encounter and how flight crews manage them at altitudes of 30,000 feet.
Air Conditioning and Pressurization Issues
Humans can’t survive at cruising altitude—typically around 36,000 feet—so planes maintain a cabin pressure equivalent to around 8,000 feet. This artificially created environment helps keep everyone comfortable during the flight. However, there can be failures in this system, which might lead to problems like sudden drops in pressure, popping ears, or even the deployment of oxygen masks.
If the cabin altitude exceeds around 14,000 feet, the aircraft is programmed to automatically descend. When a drop in pressure is detected, the captain dons an oxygen mask and works to pull the plane up to about 10,000 feet quickly. Usually, this results in an emergency landing or a return to the departure airport.
For instance, a Tui Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in the UK recently after the pilot forgot to pressurize the cabin, endangering the lives of 193 passengers.
Engine Failure
One of the most alarming issues during a flight is engine failure, which typically involves one of the two engines on the aircraft. Though simultaneous engine failures are rare, they can be catastrophic, as tragically demonstrated by an Air India flight that crashed shortly after landing, resulting in significant loss of life.
An engine failure might announce itself with a loud bang, noticeable sparks, or an odd burning smell. Upon recognizing the problem, pilots must act quickly to follow emergency protocols, including turning off the affected engine and adjusting altitude, ultimately deciding whether to return to the starting point or continue if safe.
Flight Control and Hydraulic Issues
Flight control problems can sound horrific, but thanks to multiple hydraulic and electrical systems, many of these issues can be managed. If one system fails, others can often keep the aircraft stable. Still, pilots must adhere to emergency procedures, which involve choosing the necessary landing configuration and preparing for an emergency landing if needed.
During a flight control malfunction, passengers might experience unusual landing speeds or a holding pattern while the pilot assesses the best course of action.
Brake and Landing Gear Problems
The landing process is intricate and involves numerous components, including retractable landing gear that usually stays tucked away until necessary. The brakes on the wheels are crucial for slowing down the aircraft upon landing. However, the system’s complexity can lead to hydraulic issues or failures in extending or retracting the landing gear, prompting the crew to give instructions like “prepare for landing.”
In case of a malfunction, pilots will check their procedures and potentially reach out to maintenance for troubleshooting. In extreme scenarios, landing on the longest runway or even attempting a belly landing might be required.
Despite various potential in-flight issues, flying remains one of the safest travel methods. A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that the safety of air travel is continually improving.
As noted by Arnold Barnett, a professor involved in the research, “The odds of dying while traveling by air continue to decline by about 7% each year.” It’s somewhat reassuring to think that our chances of safe travel keep getting better over time.
