Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cleared For Take-Off? (Tenerife Air Disaster 1)
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Jan 10, 2025 In 1977, an alarming phone call claiming a bomb at Gran Canaria airport sets off a chain of events leading to the deadliest aviation disaster. Two Boeing 747s, delayed on the tarmac in heavy fog, face critical miscommunications with air traffic control. The tension unfolds as one flight’s captain makes a fateful decision amidst chaos. Exploring cognitive biases, the narrative sheds light on how misunderstanding information can lead to tragedy, ultimately underscoring the urgent need for clear communication in aviation.
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Tenerife Disaster
- Captain Van Zanten, a KLM celebrity pilot, was eager to return to Amsterdam after a diverted landing in Tenerife.
- Despite foggy conditions and another plane on the runway, he initiated takeoff, leading to a fatal collision.
Tenerife Diversion
- A bomb threat in Gran Canaria diverted several planes, including two 747s, to Tenerife's small airport.
- This unexpected influx created congestion and time pressure for the flight crews.
Time Pressure
- New Dutch laws made pilots legally responsible for adhering to strict duty time limits.
- Uncertain about these new rules and fearing legal repercussions, Captain Van Zanten prioritized a quick turnaround.
