Sort: Trending
Part 1/8:
The Extraordinary Story of Taka Airlines Flight 110
On May 24, 1988, Taka Airlines Flight 110, a Boeing 737-300, experienced one of the most dramatic incidents in aviation history. The flight had originated in San Salvador, El Salvador, and was en route to New Orleans, USA, when the crew unknowingly flew into a severe thunderstorm at approximately 16,000 feet. The aircraft endured extreme turbulence and was struck by punishing hail that caused both engines to flame out, leaving the plane without power.
Part 2/8:
The flight was manned by an experienced crew: Captain Carlos Dardano, just 29 years old but with over 13,410 flying hours; First Officer Dionysio Lopez, with 12,000 hours; and Line Training Captain Arturo Solei. The crew was familiar with the aircraft and had flown it the day before. However, a mechanical failure with the plane’s battery had led to the replacement of the battery just prior to this incident.
Navigating Stormy Skies
Part 3/8:
As the flight approached the stormy weather near New Orleans, Captain Dardano and his crew recognized the potential for turbulence. They attempted to navigate around the storms but soon found themselves caught in between two massive thunderstorms. The radar was unable to give a complete picture of the weather ahead due to a phenomenon known as radar shadow, which left the crew unaware of the severity of the conditions they were about to enter.
Upon entering the storm, the aircraft faced immediate severe turbulence, making it difficult for the pilots to read their instruments. The subsequent onslaught of hail was unprecedented, and within seconds, both engines flamed out. With no engines operational, the aircraft became a glider, relying solely on the crew's skill to maintain control.
Part 4/8:
Mastering the Emergency
Despite the disorientation that comes with sudden loss of engine power, Captain Dardano focused on flying the plane using backup instruments powered by the aircraft's battery. He prioritized keeping the aircraft stable, following the critical aviation principle of "aviate, navigate, communicate."
As the crew worked to restart the engines, they relied on their training and familiarity with the aircraft to troubleshoot the situation. Initial attempts to restart the engines failed due to waterlogged components after their encounter with the hail. Ultimately, the auxiliary power unit (APU) was started, restoring some electrical power, allowing the crew to communicate with air traffic control.
The Descent to Safety
Part 5/8:
With their options dwindling and the aircraft descending through 5,000 feet, Captain Dardano spotted a canal that could serve as a potential landing site. As he aligned the aircraft for a ditching maneuver, First Officer Lopez pointed out a grassy levee nearby which offered a better chance for a successful landing.
Using unconventional techniques such as a sideslip maneuver to lose altitude quickly, Captain Dardano guided the aircraft to a flawless landing on the levee. The passengers remained calm, and miraculously, no one was seriously hurt despite the harrowing circumstances, a testament to the crew's professionalism and composure.
Aftermath and Impact on Aviation Safety
Part 6/8:
Following the safe landing, the crew decided to evacuate the aircraft after assessing potential risks. Flight 110’s tale did not end with the landing; the recovery of the aircraft posed its own challenges. Initially, Taka Airlines planned to dismantle the aircraft for barge transportation. However, they realized the proximity of an old WWII runway allowed for a unique solution: the aircraft was towed to this road and piloted back to New Orleans, merely thirteen days after the incident.
Part 7/8:
The fallout from the incident led to significant changes in aviation safety protocols. Engine manufacturers re-evaluated their testing methodologies, especially concerning the risks posed by hail and the design of engine components. From revised engine designs to operational guidance for pilots encountering severe weather, the incident ultimately improved aviation safety standards.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
The astonishing incident of Taka Airlines Flight 110 is a powerful reminder of the complexity of aviation and the importance of skilled pilots. Captain Carlos Dardano, First Officer Dionysio Lopez, and Line Training Captain Arturo Solei exhibited extraordinary professionalism in the face of overwhelming adversity. Their ability to maintain control of the aircraft and make critical decisions under pressure not only saved their own lives but also those of their passengers. This incident remains a significant chapter in aviation history, illustrating the balance of risk, skill, and heroism in flight.