Asiana Airlines flight 214 crash, a Boeing 777 – Photo: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) this week released a synopsis of their final report on last year’s crash of Asiana Airlines flight 214 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The report lists NTSB’s findings, identifies a probable cause, and makes 27 specific recommendations to Asiana, the FAA, and Boeing – among others. The crash was found to be pilot error – the result of a botched visual approach which culminated in the Boeing 777-200ER hitting a seawall and crashing onto the runway, killing three and seriously injuring dozens.
For anyone who has followed the crash investigation, there were no real surprises in the report. However, there are some interesting takeaways.
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 burns at SFO. Photo by Nick Rose.
Local San Fransisco photographer Nick Rose took these photos shortly after Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed at SFO. He as having lunch and heard about the crash and rushed to SFO. For the San Mateo Daily Journal, Nick photographed the airport’s last two crash drills [see read the first and second] and said it was “crazy,” seeing a real event.
He was kind enough to allow us at AirlineReporter.com to share his photos.
Parts of the 777 on the field while the United 747 waits. Photo by Nick Rose.
Photo of the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 flight 214 crash from the NTSB.
There is no question that the crash of Asiana Airlines flight 214 is tragic and we are all looking forward to finding out exactly what happened. As more facts and opinions come in about the crash, here are just some of my raw thoughts:
- It is not a miracle: I have been reading quite a bit about how so many people survived was a “miracle.” I am not trying to say that this was not amazing, but I think by just saying it was a “miracle,” really down plays all the hard work and effort that so many people have put in through the years to increase the chances of surviving an accident. Thousands of people have died from airline accidents and after each accident every aspect of the business is made safer. There have been many smart people in aerospace that have designed and built aircraft, the items inside and airports in ways to reduce the likelihood of injuries and deaths. Finally, the passengers & crew on flight 214 and the emergency responders on the ground did an amazing job evacuating everyone. Even with the speculation that a fire truck might have been involved with one of the two deaths, the quick response and evacuation saved lives [read a good detailed account via the WSJ and Philly.com]. Call it a miracle if you must, but also be sure to follow up by appreciating the people that helped to keep this accident from being worse.
- A little perspective: It is no question that the two deaths from this crash and those who will forever be scarred is no small thing. I cannot imagine what the family of those who were lost are going through and by no means am I trying to down play these loses. We are all lucky to be in a time where an accident like this does not cause more deaths. Statistically, in the US there are about 90 people who die each day in auto accidents. This is far, far less than even a fraction of the fatalities we see from airline accidents. Flying is still very safe and will only continue to become safer.
Exterior photograph of the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 flight 214 crash from the NTSB.
The NTSB has just shared eight photos of the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 flight 214 crash via Twitter and we wanted to share. Words cannot do these justice.
NTSB investigators head tothe the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 crash. Photo via the NTSB.
Photo of the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 flight 214 crash from the NTSB.
Air shot of the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash at SFO via KTVU.
As of 07/06 5:47pm PST, updates will be added to the bottom of the story and the main story will not change.
Just before 11:30am today, an Asiana Airlines Boeing 777-200ER (registration HL7742) coming from Incheon, South Korea, landed before the runway at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) causing the aircraft to break up. Passengers were evacuated before the aircraft caught fire. There were 291 passengers (19 business and 272 economy) and 16 crew on the aircraft. According to Asiana Airlines, the passengers, “were comprised of 77 Korean citizens, 141 Chinese citizens, 61 US citizens, 1 Japanese citizen.”
Photos show debris before runway 28, showing that the aircraft hit the ground before making it over the runway. At about 1:15pm, local San Francisco TV station, KTVU stated that two passengers died and at about 4:15pm, the SF Fire Department confirmed those deaths.
San Francisco General Hospital spoke at about 3:15pm PST and stated that they have received 10 patients in critical condition. As of 5:45pm five of those passengers improved their condition. Out of 307 passengers on board, 181 were taken to multiple hospitals. According to the SF Fire Department, there were a total of 230 passengers who has some sort of injury after the crash. Originally there were 60 passengers who were reported missing, but as of 5:45pm there is only one.
Typically with situations like this, death/injury numbers will often change.
