Topic > Human Factors on Aloha 243 - 2368

After studying the 1933 Aloha plane crash, our group is interested in investigating human performance factors in maintenance and inspection. We have divided the investigation into 5 aspects:Investigation:1. Mechanics' lack of attention in practical procedures and policy planning. Aloha Airline operated inter-island flights in Hawaii, so the Aloha 243 operated in a saltwater environment. During each flight there was a risk that air saturated with salt and water vapor would enter the gap when the aluminum sheets were not fixed to the fuselage with epoxy adhesive, and corrosion of the metal was also stimulated. After the accident, a full-scale investigation was launched by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It was concluded that the accident was caused by metal fatigue exacerbated by crevice corrosion, the corrosion is exacerbated by salt water, and the age of the aircraft was already 19 years old as the aircraft was operating in a salt water environment. During the pre-flight inspection, no damage or abnormal conditions were found on the Aloha 243. Additionally, in 1988, when the Aloha 243 crash occurred, the Federal Aviation Administration had no obligation to compel aircraft operators to carry out inspections between each flight. We can say that the crack was exacerbated by salty and humid air, if the inspection was carried out after every flight, this problem must be able to be aware of and prevented. Since all operators and mechanics are properly trained and qualified through appropriate tests and examinations, they would be able to consider the risk of corrosion being caused by salt water. Furthermore, following the authority's regulations, they should also carry out any additional inspections specifically requested based on the state of the aircraft (for example: age, structural and functional properties, etc.) to ensure that the obsolete aircraft has not been at risk or that damage was caused to the aircraft during the flight. (In this case, if the inspection is carried out after each flight, the accident will be avoided.) The inspection between each flight in addition to avoiding accidents, also helps engineers understand what problems could arise from the operating environment. The pre-flight inspection of the Aloha 243 was carried out every day only before the first flight, which is inadequate. Additionally, all inspection records must be retained at each inspection; it records all the status of the parts and helps engineers understand how the aircraft's structures would be affected after each operation.