How common is an aborted landing?

Aborted Landings: Understanding Their Prevalence

Air travel is generally considered a safe mode of transportation. However, even the most experienced pilots can encounter situations that require them to abort a landing.

What is an Aborted Landing?

An aborted landing occurs when a pilot decides to discontinue the approach to landing for any reason. This decision can be made due to various factors, such as:

• Weather conditions, such as strong winds or low visibility
• Runway conditions, such as debris or a closed runway
• Mechanical issues with the aircraft
• Traffic conflicts
• Medical emergencies

How Common are Aborted Landings?

According to industry statistics, airborne mishaps, including go-arounds or aborted landings, occur in roughly 1-3 out of every 1,000 approach attempts. This means that while they are not uncommon, they are still relatively rare occurrences.

Reasons for Aborted Landings

The most common reason for an aborted landing is weather conditions. Poor visibility or strong winds can make it difficult or unsafe to land the aircraft. Runway conditions can also pose a risk, especially if debris or a closed runway is encountered.

Mechanical issues with the aircraft can also lead to aborted landings. These issues can range from minor glitches to more serious problems that require immediate attention.

Traffic conflicts are another potential cause of aborted landings. If another aircraft is too close in the airspace, the pilot may need to abort the landing to avoid a collision.

Medical emergencies can also arise during an approach to landing. In these situations, the pilot must prioritize the safety of the passengers and crew by aborting the landing and seeking medical assistance.

Safety Measures

Airlines and pilots take numerous safety measures to minimize the risk of aborted landings. These measures include:

• Weather monitoring and forecasting
• Ground runway inspections
• Thorough aircraft inspections and maintenance
• Pilot training and certification
• Emergency response plans

Conclusion

Aborted landings are a relatively common occurrence in aviation, but they are typically handled safely and effectively by experienced pilots. Airlines and pilots prioritize safety by taking a variety of measures to minimize the risk of these events. While aborted landings can be disruptive, they are an essential safety precaution to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.