Comair Flight 5191 Crashes at Blue Grass Airport

August 27th, 2006

August 27th, 2006

Comair Flight 5191 Crashes at Blue Grass Airport
How Long Ago?

18 years, 6 months, 16 days ago

Location

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

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Comair Flight 5191 Crashes at Blue Grass Airport

Comair Flight 5191, a regional jet, crashed shortly after takeoff from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, while en route to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The aircraft took off from the wrong runway, which was too short for its operation, leading to the tragic accident. Of the 50 people on board, only one survivor was found in the wreckage, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.

Flight operated by Bombardier CRJ-100 regional jet.

Crash resulted from taking off from the wrong runway.

Only one survivor out of 50 on board.

NTSB investigation led to improved safety regulations.

What Happened?

Comair Flight 5191, operating a Bombardier CRJ-100, was scheduled for a routine flight from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, to Atlanta, Georgia. On the morning of August 27, 2006, after pushback from the terminal, the aircraft attempted to take off from the wrong runway, Runway 26, which was not intended for commercial jet departures. This runway was significantly shorter than the standard length needed for the aircraft's takeoff. The flight had wheels up shortly after departure but failed to gain proper altitude due to the insufficient runway length and subsequently crashed into a field just beyond the airport perimeter. Investigators later confirmed that the cockpit crew had misconfigured their navigation settings, contributing to the miscommunication regarding runway usage.

During emergency response efforts, 49 of the 50 passengers and crew members were found deceased at the crash site, with only one survivor, who later provided crucial information for the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough investigation into the crash and identified various factors that led to this devastating event. Human factors, including crew error and miscommunication with air traffic control, were highlighted as significant contributing factors to the disaster.

As a result of this incident, significant changes were made within the aviation industry pertaining to runway usage protocols, crew training, and the importance of accurate cockpit navigation systems. The accident raised questions about regional airline safety, crew resource management training, and emergency response preparedness, prompting regulatory bodies to evaluate and enhance safety standards across the industry. Though a moment of tragedy, the lessons learned from Comair Flight 5191's crash have been pivotal in improving aviation safety measures.

Why Does it Matter?

The Comair Flight 5191 crash is a notable incident that heightened awareness around regional airline safety and cockpit communication protocols. It served as a catalyst for the National Transportation Safety Board and other stakeholders to push for more rigorous training and better adherence to aviation safety regulations. This event underscored the critical need for clear communication and operational protocols in preventing similar accidents in the future.

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