The Tragic Crash of Cubana de Aviación Flight 972: Lessons Learned and Actions Taken to Improve Aviation Safety.

 

On May 18, 2018, Cubana de Aviación Flight 972, a Boeing 737-200 flying from Havana to Holguin, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 112 people on board. In this article, we will examine the causes of the crash, the actions taken by regulatory authorities and the airline in response, and the lessons learned from the accident.

 

The investigation into the incident found that the aircraft had been poorly maintained and was not airworthy. The aircraft was leased to Cubana de Aviación by a Mexican company, Global Air, which was later found to have a poor safety record. The crew had reported technical problems before takeoff, but the flight was not canceled. The investigation also found that the crew had not followed proper procedures for takeoff, which contributed to the crash.

 

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Following the incident, the Cuban government grounded all Boeing 737 aircraft in the country, and several airlines that had been operating flights to Cuba suspended their services. The Mexican government also suspended the operations of Global Air, pending an investigation into its safety practices.

 

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted an audit of Cuba's civil aviation system in response to the incident, and identified several areas that needed improvement, including air traffic control procedures, aircraft maintenance, and training for flight crews and air traffic controllers. The Cuban government committed to implementing the recommendations of the audit, and worked with the ICAO to improve safety practices in the country.

 

The incident also raised concerns about the safety of older aircraft in commercial aviation. The Boeing 737-200 that crashed had been in service for over 30 years, and many experts have called for increased investment in modernizing and replacing older aircraft in the commercial aviation industry.

 

In conclusion, the crash of Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 was a tragic reminder of the importance of continuous vigilance in ensuring aviation safety. The incident highlighted the need for effective aircraft maintenance and proper crew procedures, as well as the importance of investing in modernization and replacement of aging aircraft. The actions taken by the Cuban government and regulatory authorities in response to the incident have helped to improve safety practices in the country, and will hopefully prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.