Airplane Accident Caused by the Pilot Smoking

We have witnessed thousands of accidents in aviation history. Some occurred because the aircraft malfunctioned, while others were a result of human error. But EgyptAir 804is one of the biggest accidents in history caused by negligence.

Paris to Cairo When you learn why this plane crashed, you may even think twice before getting on the plane. Unfortunately, there were no survivors among the passengers.

In May 2016, EgyptAir Flight 804 was heading towards the Egyptian coast.

Aeroplane, It left France at 23.09 Paris time. According to the planned time, the landing would take place at 03.15 Cairo time, if everything went well. While a very nice flight was taking place, the plane found itself in an unexpected situation due to an incredible mistake by the pilot. There were 56 passengers and 10 crew members inside.

The plane entered Greek airspace at 23.24 while cruising. At that time, air traffic controllers spoke to the pilot and he was told that everything was fine. But soon the plane ACARS Messages from the automatic system showed that there was a deviation in the plane’s course.

In the same period in the plane toilet It was detected that smoke was detected.

Although attempts were made to reach the plane, there was no response. The pilot’s ‘smoke break’ in the air caused the plane to crash.

Flight crew (Pilot on the right)

Controllers stated that the plane left Greek airspace and disappeared from Greek radar at 00.29.40. Soon the flight due to plane fire It resulted in its fall to an area between the Island of Crete and Northern Egypt. Even the wreckage of the shattered plane was found 1 month later.

Initially, of course, neither the airline nor Egypt He did not accept that this accident was pilot error. Even reports of the accident emerged years later. Until the reports came out, this incident was referred to as a vague accident.

The most important evidence after the accident Voice recordings in the cockpit and digital flight data recorders. Initially, Egyptian authorities made statements that this accident could be a terrorist attack. The fact that the plane suddenly disappeared from the radar, that no sound was heard, and that it was not even possible to make an attempt to call for help led everyone to this idea.

However, serious evidence was later found indicating that there was a fire on the plane.

Following the statements, the authorities accepted the accuracy of the fire and other evidence of the accident emerged with this acceptance. The plane’s radar signature had changed unusually. This situation, While focusing on the possibility of signs of an action such as a bombing It also showed the crew trying to evacuate smoke from the cockpit.

In March 2022, black box data capturing the sound of oxygen hissing was revealed and a report was published claiming oxygen was leaking from the pilot’s oxygen mask. French Civil Aviation Safety Investigation and Analysis Bureauannounced that the cause of the accident was a rapidly spreading fire on the flight deck.

The wreckage was found at a depth of 3,000 meters in the Mediterranean Sea.

With the discovery of the wreckage, question marks were resolved. Even though Egypt tried to cover up this situation, everything was obvious. Looking at the data logger confirmed the presence of smoke, The voice recorder recorded the conversation about the fire in the cockpit. All data obtained; win pilot Mohamed Said Shoukair He confirmed that it was caused by smoking while driving.

Until this accident, EgyptAir Allowing smoking on the plane It’s not mind-boggling. This accident added a new one to aviation rules and enabled a definitive decision to be made regarding smoking. We hope that such negligence never happens again.

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