During the NTSB’s probe into the February 2019 crash of an Atlas Air Boeing 767 into a marshy area in Trinity Bay, Texas, the board determined the crew lost control of the airplane as it approached Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The accident, an all-cargo flight, killed both pilots and also took the life of another airline pilot who was riding along in the jump seat.
Atlas Air Pilot Likely Reacted to Somatogravic Illusion
Key Takeaways:
- The Atlas Air 767 crash was caused by the First Officer's spatial disorientation and inappropriate nose-down control inputs following an inadvertent go-around mode activation, compounded by the Captain's failure to monitor and intervene.
- A significant contributing factor was the First Officer's documented history of poor flying abilities, maladaptive stress responses, and training deficiencies, which were not adequately identified during hiring processes.
- The NTSB cited systemic failures in the aviation industry's pilot selection and performance measurement practices, as well as the FAA's insufficient implementation of a robust Pilot Records Database.
- Key NTSB recommendations include issuing warnings about inadvertent go-around activation for specific aircraft, establishing a more comprehensive and searchable Pilot Records Database, and requiring air carriers to thoroughly evaluate all pilot training records, including any disapprovals.
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