Posted on 12/15/2005 1:06:39 PM PST by Central Scrutiniser
Southwest pilot violated braking policy
December 14, 2005
BY MARK J. KONKOL Transportation Reporter
The Southwest Airlines pilot at the helm during Thursday's snowy crash at Midway Airport told federal investigators he used the Boeing 737's "autobrakes," a device airline officials say their pilots are told not to activate.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators said they found the autobrake switch in the "maximum" position on the flight panel. The system is designed to activate when the landing gear hits the runway.
(Excerpt) Read more at suntimes.com ...
'Braking news?'
"autobrakes" on an airliner. No wonder it failed to stop...
Autobrakes at Midway, in snow? Sheese!!
The way the article reads, it sounds like the crew decided to depend on the autobrake system without using the reverse thrusters at all.
I can't imagine that, especially with snow on the ground.
The article is kind of unclear and confusing.
I'm checking on airline boards for the reaction.
But, MDW is a terrible airport, and Southwest has some policies that may have led to this accident.
Pinging the only pilot I know. What's your opinion on this?
Wonder why this is being leaked before the investigation is completed?
I'm thinking the autobrake is nothing more than an automatic system for engaging the reverse thrusters. It also sounds like this system is not used and that the pilot used it, and because of that can be blamed for the accident.
I'm a little torn on this one. Definitely his fault for not doing things the way everybody says it should be done, and which we know works. But how liable can someone be for using a system that was clearly labeled and installed, even if its use is against policy...???
What are we talking about here??
That's interesting. The airline I fly for teaches that autobrakes in maximum are more efficient than human braking and in these circumstances if it were me in this guys shoes I would be cited for not using autobrakes!
Of course, the equipment I fly is different so maybe the 737 autobrakes are not very effective.
The only thing I can figure is that the autobrake system was somehow set, and because of that the reverse thrusters wouldn't engage. In the meantime, the pilots -- not having the time to figure it out -- figured they would stomp on the brakes.
This also seems unlikely, though. It's baffling.
I think the autobrakes should be applied, but Southwest doesn't and I'm not sure if that is part of their training. My airline didn't have the -700's, not sure of the policy. Is that runway Cat II?
They should just close Midway and make a park out of it.
Ping
Autobrakes are for wheel braking only and the reversers are a separate system. Reversers are far more effective at higher airspeed and especially in poor braking conditions. If the reversers weren't used the pilot gave up his most effective system for slowing the aircraft immediately after landing. The slower you get, the more effective the wheel brakes are.
The article quotes a former SW pilot who said the policy had to do with on time performance. That is braking at speeds over eithty knots required a longer time period to allow for brake cooling.
The TRs probably have to be selected manually on the throttle quadrant. The spoilers are the only other "AUTO" system I am aware of but that 73 maybe a more advanced model.
Don't give the Mayor any ideas. The way he closed Meigs was criminal.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.