Death of an Airline: Aviation Safety Investigation

This paper analyzes the Nation Air airline crash through the Human Factor Analysis and Safety Classification (HFACS) model, designed for aircraft accident investigations. The crash of the McDonnell Douglas DC-8-61, registered C-GMXQ, near Jeddah-King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), resulted from a series of human errors and oversights, rather than inherent design flaws. Despite established protocols, the crew did not abort take-off below the decision speed (V1), nor did they employ the emergency checklist after take-off. Additionally, significant miscommunications occurred between the crew and air traffic control (ATC), exacerbated by the heavy Hajj season traffic.Maintenance practices also contributed to the accident. The maintenance team, lacking formal Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licenses, performed substandard checks. Tire pressures were not adequately documented, and unsafe supervision led to critical oversights. The aircraft's maintenance records were incomplete, and there was a lack of accountability and proper training. Furthermore, fire hazards related to the underinflated tires and magnesium alloy rims were not effectively managed.This investigation highlights the necessity for stringent adherence to safety protocols, comprehensive training, and effective communication within the aviation industry to prevent similar tragedies. Recommendations for improved maintenance practices and enhanced crew resource management are also provided.