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The Tragic Crash of Air Florida Flight 90: A Detailed Look at the Events Leading to Disaster
On January 13, 1982, a snowstorm gripped Washington, D.C. as Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-200, prepared for departure from Washington National Airport. The flight, with 74 passengers, three cabin crew, and two pilots onboard, was set to make its way to Tampa Bay and onward to Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Unfortunately, within a minute of takeoff, the aircraft would crash into the 14th Street Bridge and plunge into the icy waters of the Potomac River, leading to the deaths of 74 individuals, including both pilots, and incurring additional casualties on the ground.
Conditions Leading Up to the Flight
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The day of the incident was characterized by heavy, continuous snowfall which severely affected airport operations. Washington National Airport was only able to operate one runway, which resulted in extended closures for snow removal. When the flight crew arrived, they were aware of delays but were later given clearance to begin the de-icing process.
The Flight Crew
The flight crew consisted of Captain Larry Michael Wheaton, who had several thousand flight hours, and First Officer Roger Alan Petit, who was highly regarded among his peers. Both were aware of the winter weather and took the necessary steps toward departure, yet they lacked experience in dealing with challenging winter operations.
The De-Icing Controversy
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De-icing procedures in 1982 were not as refined as they are today. The crew initiated de-icing about 40 minutes before departure. However, the de-icing team wrongly adjusted the glycol-water mix, leading to inadequate snow and ice removal. A crucial point of concern was the reliance on a station manager’s assessment. There was still light snow on the wings when they arrived for pushback, which should have raised alarms. Instead, the crew overlooked this factor.
Issues with Pushback Procedures
The aircraft faced difficulty during its pushback due to a slippery ramp, compounded by de-icing fluids. Reversers were activated to assist in this maneuver despite a previous advisory against this practice due to known risks associated with the 737-200 in winter conditions.
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The Takeoff Sequence
After completing pushback and final checklist checks, the crew moved into position for takeoff. However, a worrying trend emerged during their time in the queue: they were aware of the adverse weather conditions yet failed to heed multiple cautionary signs. As they were finally cleared for takeoff, they felt pressured to depart quickly due to the accumulating traffic behind them.
The Flight Begins
Once airborne, the flight exhibited atypical behaviors. The engines were displaying fluctuating parameters, which went unaddressed due to the captain’s focus on maintaining their departure slot. Both crew members voiced concerns about these readings.
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At takeoff, Captain Wheaton handed control over to First Officer Petit. As the aircraft accelerated, Petit voiced skepticism over the provided speed readings but was largely ignored by the captain. As the aircraft reached a critical point, it became apparent that the wings were contaminated with snow and ice, adversely affecting their aerodynamic performance.
The Impact
Only seconds into the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a rapid pitch-up, a common issue for this type of aircraft under similar conditions. Despite the first officer’s alarm, the captain's intent to continue became apparent. This eventually led to the plane’s stall. Moments later, the aircraft crashed into the bridge, struck several vehicles, and then fell into the Potomac River.
Aftermath and Investigation
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The National Transportation Safety Board commenced an investigation into the causes of the crash. Their findings indicated that a combination of factors contributed to the disaster, including the improper use of anti-icing systems, inadequate de-icing procedures leading to contamination on the wings, the failure to reject takeoff in the face of odd engine readings, and the limited winter flying experience of the crew.
Lessons Learned
The tragic events of Air Florida Flight 90 served as a pivotal learning opportunity for the aviation industry. It prompted a reevaluation of winter operations training and initiated stringent procedures concerning de-icing protocols and holdover time evaluations, which have become critical to ensuring the safety of flights in snowy conditions.
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In the wake of such an unfortunate disaster, the aviation industry has pushed for more robust training that supports pilots’ decision-making during adverse weather. From this tragedy, vital safety improvements have emerged, preventing similar occurrences in the years since.
As we reflect on this catastrophic event, it highlights the profound importance of safety procedures and the need for diligent adherence to protocols in aviation, especially during hazardous weather conditions.