Indian Airlines Flight 605, a domestic scheduled passenger flight operating from Bombay (now Mumbai) to Bangalore (now Bengaluru), met with a tragic end on February 14, 1990. The Airbus A320-200, carrying 146 people, including 6 crew members and 140 passengers, crashed onto a golf course while attempting to land at HAL Airport in Bangalore. The crash resulted in the loss of 92 lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Indian history. This article delves into the details surrounding the crash, the investigation that followed, and the aftermath of this devastating event. Understanding the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the accident is crucial for learning valuable lessons and improving aviation safety. The Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash remains a somber reminder of the risks involved in air travel and the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols. The incident prompted a thorough review of the operational procedures and training programs at Indian Airlines, leading to significant changes aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.

The Ill-Fated Flight

Indian Airlines Flight 605, operating with an Airbus A320-200, took off from Bombay on what seemed like a routine flight to Bangalore. The aircraft, registered as VT-EPG, was relatively new, having been delivered to Indian Airlines in 1989. As the flight approached Bangalore, the pilots prepared for landing at HAL Airport, which was the primary airport serving the city at the time. However, as the aircraft descended, it encountered difficulties. The pilots, Captain S. Lobo and Co-pilot A.R. Mazumdar, were highly experienced and certified to fly the Airbus A320. As the aircraft approached HAL Airport for landing, the flight crew encountered challenges in managing the aircraft's descent rate. The Flight 605 crew were unable to maintain the proper glide path, leading to a higher-than-normal approach. Despite attempts to correct the situation, the aircraft touched down hard on a golf course, just short of the runway. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse, and the aircraft skidded across the ground before coming to a stop. Immediate rescue efforts were launched, but the damage was extensive, and many passengers were trapped inside the wreckage. The Ill-Fated Flight 605 remains one of the biggest tragedies in the Indian Aviation history.

The Crash and Immediate Aftermath

The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 was a scene of absolute chaos and devastation. The impact of the Airbus A320 hitting the golf course was severe, causing the aircraft to break apart. The wreckage was scattered across the area, with debris and bodies strewn around. The immediate aftermath was marked by frantic rescue efforts as emergency services rushed to the scene. Firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel worked tirelessly to extricate survivors from the mangled remains of the aircraft. The injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, while efforts were made to recover the bodies of those who had perished in the crash. The local community also played a crucial role in the rescue operations, with many volunteers coming forward to assist in any way they could. The crash site was cordoned off as investigators began their work to determine the cause of the accident. The black boxes, which contained the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, were recovered and sent for analysis. The recovery operation was a somber and painstaking task, with each body recovered treated with the utmost respect and dignity. The identification of the victims was a challenging process, as many were unrecognizable due to the severity of the impact. The crash had a profound impact on the families of the victims, who were left to grapple with unimaginable grief and loss. The Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash site was a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the potential consequences of air travel.

The Investigation

The investigation into the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 was conducted by a Court of Inquiry appointed by the Indian government. The investigation team comprised experienced aviation experts, including pilots, engineers, and air safety specialists. Their primary task was to determine the cause of the accident and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation involved a thorough examination of the wreckage, analysis of the black box data, and interviews with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other relevant personnel. The black box data provided valuable insights into the flight's final moments, including the aircraft's speed, altitude, and engine performance. The cockpit voice recorder captured the conversations between the pilots, shedding light on their actions and decisions in the lead-up to the crash. The investigators also considered factors such as weather conditions, air traffic control procedures, and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation team explored various possible causes, including pilot error, mechanical failure, and external factors. After months of painstaking work, the Court of Inquiry submitted its report to the government. The report concluded that the primary cause of the crash was pilot error. The pilots had failed to maintain the correct glide path during the approach and had not taken appropriate action to correct the situation. The report also highlighted deficiencies in the training and procedures at Indian Airlines. The investigation report provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the crash and made several recommendations to improve aviation safety.

Findings and Causes of the Crash

The findings of the investigation into the Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash pointed to a combination of factors that led to the tragic accident. While the primary cause was attributed to pilot error, the investigation also uncovered other contributing factors that played a significant role. One of the key findings was that the pilots had allowed the aircraft to descend below the correct glide path during the approach to HAL Airport. This meant that the aircraft was too low as it neared the runway. The pilots were aware of the deviation from the glide path but did not take timely corrective action. The aircraft's flight management system (FMS) was also a factor in the crash. The FMS is a sophisticated computer system that assists pilots in managing the aircraft's flight path. However, the pilots may have been overly reliant on the FMS, leading to a loss of situational awareness. The investigation also revealed that there were shortcomings in the training and procedures at Indian Airlines. The pilots may not have been adequately trained to handle situations where the aircraft deviated from the glide path. The lack of clear communication between the pilots in the cockpit was also identified as a contributing factor. The pilots did not effectively coordinate their actions, which further compounded the problem. Air traffic control (ATC) procedures were also examined as part of the investigation. The ATC at HAL Airport was found to have followed standard procedures, but there may have been opportunities for better communication between the ATC and the pilots. Ultimately, the combination of pilot error, technical factors, and procedural deficiencies led to the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605. The findings of the investigation underscored the importance of rigorous training, effective communication, and adherence to safety protocols in aviation.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The aftermath of the Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash was marked by grief, reflection, and a renewed focus on aviation safety. The crash had a profound impact on the families of the victims, the employees of Indian Airlines, and the entire nation. In the wake of the tragedy, Indian Airlines took several steps to improve its safety procedures and training programs. The airline implemented more rigorous training for pilots, with a greater emphasis on handling non-normal situations. The airline also invested in new technologies and equipment to enhance safety. The accident investigation report was carefully reviewed, and its recommendations were implemented across the organization. The government of India also took steps to strengthen aviation safety regulations and oversight. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is responsible for regulating aviation in India, increased its scrutiny of airlines and airports. The DGCA also worked to improve air traffic control procedures and infrastructure. The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in aviation. It highlighted the need for constant vigilance, continuous improvement, and a culture of safety at all levels of the industry. The lessons learned from the crash have helped to make air travel safer in India and around the world. The legacy of Flight 605 is a commitment to preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The crash prompted significant advancements in aviation safety protocols, pilot training methodologies, and air traffic control systems. The incident underscored the critical role of human factors in aviation accidents, leading to a greater emphasis on crew resource management and communication skills.

Remembering the Victims

The Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash was a tragic event that claimed the lives of 92 people. The victims included passengers from all walks of life, as well as the flight crew who were dedicated to ensuring their safety. The victims of the crash are remembered by their families, friends, and colleagues. Their memories live on, and their loss is deeply felt. In the aftermath of the crash, memorial services were held to honor the victims and to provide comfort to their loved ones. The families of the victims received support from Indian Airlines, the government, and various organizations. The airline provided financial assistance and counseling to help the families cope with their grief. The government also offered support, including compensation and assistance with funeral arrangements. The crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 is a reminder of the human cost of aviation accidents. It is important to remember the victims and to learn from the tragedy so that similar events can be prevented in the future. The memory of the victims serves as a constant reminder of the importance of safety in aviation and the need to prioritize human life above all else. The stories of those who perished in the crash are a testament to their resilience, courage, and the bonds of love that connect us all. Their legacies live on through the memories of those who knew them and the lessons learned from the tragedy that took their lives. The Flight 605 serves as a very somber memory for the Aviation industry.

Conclusion

The Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash was a watershed moment in Indian aviation history. The tragedy led to significant improvements in safety procedures, training programs, and regulatory oversight. While the crash was a devastating loss, it also served as a catalyst for change. The lessons learned from the crash have helped to make air travel safer in India and around the world. The memory of the victims serves as a constant reminder of the importance of safety and the need to prioritize human life. The legacy of Flight 605 is a commitment to preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The aviation industry has made great strides in improving safety over the years, but there is always more work to be done. By learning from past mistakes and by embracing new technologies and best practices, we can continue to make air travel safer for everyone. The Indian Airlines Flight 605 crash remains a powerful symbol of the need for vigilance, continuous improvement, and a culture of safety in aviation.