Insight into Why AirAsia Flight 8501 Climbed So Steeply Before the Crash

The tragic accident of AirAsia Indonesia flight 8501 on December 28, 2014, remains a blemish in aviation history. A complex interplay of maintenance issues, pilot errors, and procedural inactions contributed to the crash. One aspect that continues to intrigue analysts and aviation enthusiasts is the steep climb of the aircraft prior to the final descent. This article delves into the reasons behind this critical maneuver and offers insights into the events that led to the accident.

Why the Plane Climbed So Steeply

The steep climb was the result of a series of unfortunate events, starting with the malfunction of the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) and subsequent pilot reactions. The FAC is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's stability and handling, and its malfunction necessitated immediate attention.

The Sequence of Events

On the fateful day, Captain and First Officer noticed a malfunction in the aircraft's systems, initially attempting to rectify it by resetting the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) circuit breakers. This action led to a gradual left turn, characterized by a left roll and yaw. However, the SIC (Second-in-Command) did not recognize the aircraft's slight roll.

The Roll to the Left

Over the next nine minutes, the aircraft’s roll angle intensified, ultimately reaching a steep 54 degrees of left bank. The absence of any external visual cues and the gradual nature of the roll were likely the primary reasons why the SIC did not notice the deviation until it was too late.

The Captain’s Realization

The captain, upon observing the sharp left bank, made a critical call out, which seemingly brought the SIC’s attention to the issue. In a moment of panic and possibly under the influence of somatogravic illusion, the SIC reacted by pulling sharply to the right on his side stick, causing the aircraft to roll back towards a level position.

Somatogravic Illusion: A Pilot’s Worst Enemy

In aviation, a somatogravic illusion can deceive pilots, especially in low-visibility conditions. This phenomenon can lead to pilots making inappropriate corrections, misjudging the aircraft’s state, and potentially causing an aircraft to enter an upset condition. In the case of AirAsia Flight 8501, it is highly probable that the less experienced SIC was disoriented by this illusion. His urgent and inconsistent movements, possibly encountering erratic handling of the aircraft, led to his over-reaction of pulling back on his side stick, causing a rapid and abrupt pitch-up maneuver.

Preventing Future Incidents

To prevent such incidents in the future, it is crucial to implement rigorous safety protocols, including:

Continuous monitoring and maintenance of vital systems like the FAC. Proper training to mitigate pilot disorientation, especially in low-visibility conditions. Clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) to handle system malfunctions effectively.

Conclusion

The steep climb of AirAsia Flight 8501 was a multifaceted issue resulting from a combination of technical failures, procedural deviations, and human error. Understanding these factors is crucial for enhancing safety measures in aviation and reducing the risk of similar accidents in the future. As we continue to learn from this tragic event, it is essential to prioritize safety and maintain vigilant oversight in all aspects of aviation operations.