Delta Air Lines Flight 191

 


Delta Air Lines Flight 191: The Tragic Crash in Dallas



Aircraft and Significance:

Delta Air Lines Flight 191 involved a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, a wide-body, tri-engine aircraft. The incident is significant due to its tragic crash during a thunderstorm and its impact on aviation safety.


Date and Location:

The crash occurred on August 2, 1985, near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas, USA. The flight was en route from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida to Los Angeles International Airport in California.


The Sequence of Events:

Flight 191 was a regularly scheduled flight operated by Delta Air Lines.


Approach During a Thunderstorm:

As Flight 191 approached DFW, it encountered severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms. The aircraft attempted to land on Runway 17L.


Windshear Encounter:

During the approach, the aircraft encountered a microburst, a sudden and powerful downdraft of wind associated with thunderstorms. This windshear event caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.


Impact and Losses:

Flight 191 was unable to recover from the windshear encounter and crashed into a field short of the runway threshold. Tragically, 137 people on board lost their lives, along with one person on the ground.


Contributing Factors and Findings:

The crash of Flight 191 was primarily attributed to the severe windshear encounter during the approach. The investigation highlighted the challenges of flying in convective weather conditions and the importance of windshear detection and avoidance systems.


Impact on Aviation Safety:

The crash of Delta Air Lines Flight 191 underscored the danger of windshear events, especially during takeoff and landing. It prompted efforts to improve aircraft technology and pilot training to detect and respond to windshear conditions.


Legacy and Safety Enhancements:

The incident led to advancements in windshear detection and avoidance systems, such as ground-based radar and onboard weather radar. It also emphasized the need for pilot training in windshear recognition and recovery.


Continued Commitment to Safety:

Delta Air Lines Flight 191 serves as a poignant reminder of the aviation industry's unwavering commitment to passenger safety. It has driven improvements in technology and training to enhance aircraft safety during adverse weather conditions.


As we remember the lives lost in this tragic crash, we also acknowledge the progress made in aviation safety to prevent similar incidents and protect passengers.

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