Poor Crew Management, Seatbelt Negligence Linked to SpiceJet Turbulence Death
Three years after a fatal SpiceJet flight incident, AAIB's final probe report cites crew decision-making and passenger seatbelt negligence as key factors.
Three years after a SpiceJet flight experienced severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its final report. The investigation, which focused on the May 1, 2022, incident, identified poor crew resource management (CRM) and decision-making as key factors, along with passengers failing to wear seat belts during the flight.
The accident occurred during SpiceJet flight SG 945, which was operating on the Mumbai-Durgapur route. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence, throwing many passengers from their seats. While 189 passengers and six crew members were onboard, the aftermath of the turbulence led to one passenger’s death, three others suffering serious injuries, and several more sustaining minor injuries.
The AAIB report pointed to the crew’s failure to avoid bad weather and turbulence-prone areas. The investigation revealed that the crew did not adhere to the necessary safety protocols, which would have ensured better protection for the passengers. In particular, the cabin crew was unable to verify whether passengers had fastened their seat belts in time, which contributed to the injuries when the turbulence hit. The lack of pre-departure briefing on weather conditions for the cabin crew further compounded the situation, as it affected their ability to secure the cabin properly.
In its final report, AAIB recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensure its officers follow Airworthiness Procedures Manual (APM) guidelines when clearing aircraft for de-registration, especially in cases involving accidents. The DGCA had returned the Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its lessor without the necessary AAIB clearance.
Additionally, the report highlighted the need for increased awareness among passengers about the importance of seat belt usage, recommending safety campaigns by the DGCA, airport operators, and airlines. SpiceJet was also urged to enforce recurring defect monitoring and control procedures more rigorously.
This report serves as a reminder of the critical role of both crew management and passenger cooperation in ensuring aviation safety.
