The Tragic Collision at Los Angeles International Airport
On the evening of February 1, 1991, a catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving two aircraft: a Fairchild Metroliner operated by SkyWest Airlines and a Boeing 737-300 from US Air. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 34 lives, including all 12 passengers and crew aboard the Metroliner and 22 individuals from the 737. Despite the many complexities of aviation, the collision highlighted crucial failures in air traffic control management and communication protocols.
On that fateful day, the weather at LAX was clear and calm, with air traffic controllers managing a steady flow of incoming and outgoing flights. The SkyWest Metroliner, with 10 passengers and two pilots aboard, was preparing for a short flight to Palmdale when, at approximately 5:57 PM, it received takeoff clearance and began taxiing towards Runway 24 Left.
In the meantime, US Air Flight 1493 was descending into Los Angeles after a smooth flight from Syracuse, New York. The crew of the Boeing 737, carrying 83 passengers, was experienced and well-prepared for landing. As they approached LAX, they were instructed to perform a visual approach for Runway 24 Left.
While both planes proceeded with their operations, the unique structure of LAX allowed for simultaneous landings and takeoffs on its multiple runways. Unfortunately, this setup contributed to the chain of events leading to the accident.
As US Air Flight 1493 communicated with the approach controllers, the SkyWest pilots began their takeoff procedures. However, a critical mix-up occurred during this process due to air traffic control's disorganized management of flight progress strips, which were used to track aircraft movements and clearances.
As the SkyWest aircraft received clearance to line up on the runway, the tower controller was simultaneously managing the landing approach of Flight 1493. Due to an overwhelming number of distractions, the controller's situational awareness severely diminished. In a shocking lapse of judgment, she cleared the Boeing 737 to land without ensuring that the runway was clear.
Compounding the problem was the dim visibility of the Metroliner—a small aircraft that, due to its non-activated strobe lights, blended nearly seamlessly into the runway environment at night. The procedures at SkyWest mandated that strobe lights only be activated once takeoff clearance was received.
At approximately 6:06 PM, just as US Air Flight 1493 was preparing to touchdown, the Boeing collided with SkyWest Flight 5569. The impact was catastrophic; the Metroliner was crushed under the weight of the larger aircraft, resulting in a massive fireball that consumed both planes.
Inside the 737, although passengers and crew initially believed they experienced a typical landing, the situation rapidly evolved into chaos. Two flight attendants attempted to secure an evacuation just as the fire began to engulf the cabin.
While the cabin crew managed to open emergency exits, the evacuation was hindered by panic, smoke, and injuries from the initial collision. Despite their best efforts, 22 of the 83 occupants lost their lives, and 13 incurred serious injuries. Meanwhile, all 12 aboard the Metroliner perished almost instantly in the tragedy.
The emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene, working tirelessly to assist survivors from the wreckage amid the blazing inferno.
An in-depth investigation uncovered a range of failures: poor communication, incomplete procedural implementations, and inadequate air traffic control management all contributed to the deadly mix-up. The FAA recognized the need for critical changes, especially regarding intersection takeoffs, pilot awareness, and clearer communication standards.
As a result of the investigation, several recommendations were put forth, such as the mandatory activation of strobe lights whenever entering a runway, improved air traffic controller training programs, and the implementation of cockpit voice recorders in all aircraft, ensuring a clearer understanding of in-flight communications during emergencies.
The tragic events of February 1, 1991, serve as a sobering reminder of the vital importance of precise communication, situational awareness, and adherence to established protocols in aviation. Through the tragic loss of life, the industry made significant strides to enhance safety and prevent similar accidents, illustrating the importance of learning from the past to secure a safer future for aviation.
Part 1/8:
The Tragic Collision at Los Angeles International Airport
On the evening of February 1, 1991, a catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving two aircraft: a Fairchild Metroliner operated by SkyWest Airlines and a Boeing 737-300 from US Air. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 34 lives, including all 12 passengers and crew aboard the Metroliner and 22 individuals from the 737. Despite the many complexities of aviation, the collision highlighted crucial failures in air traffic control management and communication protocols.
Calm Before the Storm
Part 2/8:
On that fateful day, the weather at LAX was clear and calm, with air traffic controllers managing a steady flow of incoming and outgoing flights. The SkyWest Metroliner, with 10 passengers and two pilots aboard, was preparing for a short flight to Palmdale when, at approximately 5:57 PM, it received takeoff clearance and began taxiing towards Runway 24 Left.
In the meantime, US Air Flight 1493 was descending into Los Angeles after a smooth flight from Syracuse, New York. The crew of the Boeing 737, carrying 83 passengers, was experienced and well-prepared for landing. As they approached LAX, they were instructed to perform a visual approach for Runway 24 Left.
Two Aircraft, One Runway
Part 3/8:
While both planes proceeded with their operations, the unique structure of LAX allowed for simultaneous landings and takeoffs on its multiple runways. Unfortunately, this setup contributed to the chain of events leading to the accident.
As US Air Flight 1493 communicated with the approach controllers, the SkyWest pilots began their takeoff procedures. However, a critical mix-up occurred during this process due to air traffic control's disorganized management of flight progress strips, which were used to track aircraft movements and clearances.
The Error in the Tower
Part 4/8:
As the SkyWest aircraft received clearance to line up on the runway, the tower controller was simultaneously managing the landing approach of Flight 1493. Due to an overwhelming number of distractions, the controller's situational awareness severely diminished. In a shocking lapse of judgment, she cleared the Boeing 737 to land without ensuring that the runway was clear.
Compounding the problem was the dim visibility of the Metroliner—a small aircraft that, due to its non-activated strobe lights, blended nearly seamlessly into the runway environment at night. The procedures at SkyWest mandated that strobe lights only be activated once takeoff clearance was received.
The Foreboding Collision
Part 5/8:
At approximately 6:06 PM, just as US Air Flight 1493 was preparing to touchdown, the Boeing collided with SkyWest Flight 5569. The impact was catastrophic; the Metroliner was crushed under the weight of the larger aircraft, resulting in a massive fireball that consumed both planes.
Inside the 737, although passengers and crew initially believed they experienced a typical landing, the situation rapidly evolved into chaos. Two flight attendants attempted to secure an evacuation just as the fire began to engulf the cabin.
Immediate Aftermath and Loss of Life
Part 6/8:
While the cabin crew managed to open emergency exits, the evacuation was hindered by panic, smoke, and injuries from the initial collision. Despite their best efforts, 22 of the 83 occupants lost their lives, and 13 incurred serious injuries. Meanwhile, all 12 aboard the Metroliner perished almost instantly in the tragedy.
The emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene, working tirelessly to assist survivors from the wreckage amid the blazing inferno.
Investigation and Changes in Protocol
Part 7/8:
An in-depth investigation uncovered a range of failures: poor communication, incomplete procedural implementations, and inadequate air traffic control management all contributed to the deadly mix-up. The FAA recognized the need for critical changes, especially regarding intersection takeoffs, pilot awareness, and clearer communication standards.
As a result of the investigation, several recommendations were put forth, such as the mandatory activation of strobe lights whenever entering a runway, improved air traffic controller training programs, and the implementation of cockpit voice recorders in all aircraft, ensuring a clearer understanding of in-flight communications during emergencies.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
The tragic events of February 1, 1991, serve as a sobering reminder of the vital importance of precise communication, situational awareness, and adherence to established protocols in aviation. Through the tragic loss of life, the industry made significant strides to enhance safety and prevent similar accidents, illustrating the importance of learning from the past to secure a safer future for aviation.