DGCA delves into aviation history to make flights safer

Mumbai: It was on this day 100 years ago that the first fatal accident in aviation took place. With 2008, the centenary year, also seeing a rise in the number of air crashes globally-47 major air accidents so far-the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has judiciously sent a note to airlines in India recalling the 1908 crash and the need to improve air safety.
"The purpose of the Air Safety Bulletin on the first fatal crash was to mark its 100th year and to stress the importance of air safety,'' said A K Chopra, joint director general, DGCA, who issued it on Monday.
"The bulletin has come at the right time. Globally, air crashes have been on rise this year. In 2008 so far, 47 major crashes-in which the aircraft concerned was damaged beyond repairs-have taken place so far,'' says Capt Mohan Ranganathan , an air safety expert. In 2007, the total number was 52. This year, it is expected to be much more.
The first fatal accident took place on September 17, 1908, when Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge, serving as an official observer, rode along with Orville Wright as a passenger. A few minutes into the flight, at an altitude of about 100 ft, a propeller of the aircraft split and shattered, sending the machine out of control.
"Selfridge suffered a fractured skull in the crash and died, becoming the first fatality of an airplane crash. Orville Wright was also badly injured, suffering a broken left leg and four broken ribs. Deeply shocked by the accident, Wilbur Wright determined to make more changes in his machine and made impressive flight demonstrations; in the ensuing days and months he set new records for altitude and travel duration,'' the bulletin says.
17/09/08 Manju V/Times of India

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Categories: Safety Sep 2008