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Turbulent Takeoff: The Incident of United Airlines Flight 1722
On December 18, 2022, United Airlines Flight 1722 faced a harrowing incident shortly after its takeoff from Maui, Hawaii, amidst severe winter storm conditions. Within a minute of departing, the Boeing 777 plunged towards the ocean, sparking widespread concern regarding pilot error and operational safety. This alarming event raised questions about pilot experience and potential miscommunication in the cockpit.
The Context of the Incident
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The Hawaiian Islands were ravaged by a powerful winter storm characterized by heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, and turbulence that made flying both challenging and uncomfortable. As United Airlines pilots prepared for flight 1722 to San Francisco, they anticipated a difficult journey ahead due to the weather. The pilots, well-rested and in good spirits, boarded a 22-year-old Boeing 777-222 that had no reported technical issues, which added to their confidence.
Initial Speculations
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When news of the incident broke, many speculated about the crew's experience amid a noted pilot shortage industry-wide. The captain had substantial flying experience, boasting over 19,600 total flight hours, including around 300 on the 777. However, most of his experience on the Boeing 777 came after flying the Airbus A320, which has significantly different handling characteristics. Meanwhile, the first officer, with 5,300 hours of total flight time, was somewhat new to the Boeing 777, with only 120 hours on type, indicating possible inexperience in handling such turbulence.
Preflight Preparations
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Even amid challenging weather, the flight crew proceeded with the required pre-flight briefings. They decided to alter their flight path to avoid the worst of the storm and adjusted technical considerations with the dispatcher. Upon arriving at the airport, the first officer had a momentary distraction as he received news about severe turbulence affecting another aircraft. The crew's decision to prioritize caution was further underscored during their performance calculations when they opted for reduced thrust for takeoff.
Flap Settings and Miscommunication
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A critical aspect of the takeoff involved flap settings. The pilots decided on flaps 20 during departure, an unusual choice, as flaps 15 is typically more common. This decision would come into play as the cockpit dynamics shifted rapidly. Following their pushback from the gate, wind conditions changed, necessitating an adjustment to their plans. The pilots ultimately opted for flaps 20 with full thrust, anticipating the need for maximum power.
Moments Before the Crisis
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After lining up for takeoff on the runway, the flight crew engaged in careful briefings and reviewed weather data to ensure a smooth departure. Once cleared for takeoff, the Boeing 777 accelerated swiftly, and as it gained altitude, turbulence began to affect the aircraft's speed. During the critical stage post-takeoff, the captain ordered flap retraction but experienced a concerning delay in the aircraft’s response, leading to a misunderstanding about the intended setting.
The Critical Moments
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In a mere half-minute, the misunderstanding in flap settings snowballed into a dangerous situation. While the captain called for flaps 5, the first officer mistakenly interpreted the command as flaps 15—leading to incorrect adjustments. As the aircraft continued to climb, the increasing speed registered on the captain's primary flight display began to overshadow the readings for flap settings, causing rising tensions in the cockpit.
In a cascading effect, the aircraft entered a pitch down after the captain, preoccupied with flap settings, inadvertently allowed the nose to drop. The malfunction awareness kicked in, leading to panic—as critical warnings sounded, alerting the crew about impending danger.
Avoiding Disaster
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As the aircraft descended further, alarm systems sounded warnings about sink rates. The first officer sensed the gravity of their predicament and recognized they were perilously close to the ocean. The captain, reacting quickly, began pulling up the control wheel, and the aircraft suddenly pitched upwards, recovering from near catastrophe.
Amidst maximum climb rates registered at 8,680 feet per minute, the flight crew ultimately regained control, leveling off at cruising altitude while continuing to navigate through hazardous weather conditions. Thanks to the crew's training and quick reflexes, disaster was averted. Once stabilized, the captain checked on passenger safety and continued to San Francisco as planned.
Aftermath and Investigation
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In the wake of the incident, initial reports did not prompt a thorough investigation. However, media coverage eventually captured attention, and the FAA and NTSB launched inquiries. Unfortunately, crucial cockpit voice and flight data recordings had been overwritten, revealing the limitations of data retrieval in post-incident assessments.
The investigation cited pilot miscommunication as the key reason for the near-incident, resulting in United Airlines revising pilot training protocols to enhance safety measures within their operations.
Conclusion
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The event served as a sober reminder of the gravity of cockpit communication and the need for attention during critical flight phases. As pilots often face distractions, a loss of focus can lead to rapid degradation in flight safety. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous training and situational awareness, key components in preserving the safety of air travel.
Air travel remains one of the safest modes of transport, relying heavily on the stringent training of pilots and ongoing assessments to mitigate risks associated with human error.