The Final Approach: Understanding the Crash Landing at San Francisco Airport

🛬The crash landing at San Francisco Airport was the result of a series of interconnected mistakes and circumstances.

🔴The training provided to the pilots did not adequately prepare them for a visual approach and reliance on automation.

🚫Certain modes of the outer throttle system did not provide sufficient low-speed protection.

📚The pilots' lack of experience and confidence in flying visual approaches contributed to the accident.

⏲️The landing time during circadian low and potential fatigue may have affected the pilots' decision-making skills.

What caused the crash landing at San Francisco Airport?

—The crash landing was caused by a combination of pilot errors, incomplete training, and a reliance on automation.

Did the pilots receive proper training for visual approaches?

—The pilots did not receive adequate training for visual approaches and lacked experience in flying them.

Why did the outer throttle system fail to provide low-speed protection?

—Certain modes of the outer throttle system did not engage when the aircraft's speed became low, resulting in a lack of protection.

How did the pilots' lack of experience contribute to the crash?

—The pilots' lack of experience and confidence in flying visual approaches affected their decision-making and handling of the aircraft.

Did fatigue play a role in the accident?

—The landing time during circadian low and potential fatigue may have impaired the pilots' cognitive abilities and decision-making skills.

00:02The video begins with the aircraft on final approach to San Francisco Airport.

00:13The pilots encounter difficulties as the aircraft starts to descend below its normal rate.

00:45The story traces back to the pilots' training on the Boeing triple seven and their exposure to the speed protection systems.

02:05The aircraft's outer throttle system, designed to provide low speed protection, is highlighted.

03:46The pilots' reliance on automation and lack of experience with visual approaches are discussed.

06:14The crew prepares for the approach into San Francisco, acknowledging the need for a visual approach due to construction work.

10:48The crew initiates the final descent and prepares for the landing.

12:04The crew gains visual contact with the runway and receives radar vectors for alignment.