Aviation safety: workshop on preventing and mitigating the impact of aircraft accidents
Published: Thursday, 31 October 2024 07:11
A workshop aimed at strengthening aviation safety in the Africa/Indian Ocean region was organised at the CCAA Training School from October 7-9, 2024 for aviation sector experts by ICAO in collaboration with the Cameroon Civil Aviation Aviation Authority. 
It brought together air safety inspectors, civil aviation accident investigators, pilots, air traffic controllers and instructors. The aim was to work together on strategies for preventing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) while mitigating the dramatic consequences, such as loss of life and material damage.
CFIT is a type of accident in which an aircraft, perfectly operational and piloted by a qualified crew, collides with the terrain (water, mountains, trees, ground) without the crew appearing to be aware of it. This phenomenon accounts for 20% of fatal accidents, a disproportionate proportion given its minimal overall frequency.
At the opening ceremony, the representative of the CCAA's Director General, Mr Alioum Seihou, praised the richness and diversity of the programme, which incorporated the safety enhancement initiatives identified by the RASG-AFI. In his view, these initiatives will enable ICAO Member States to develop concrete and effective solutions to significantly reduce the risks of CFIT, thereby promoting the sustainable and resilient development of air transport in Africa.
The workshop covered many topics, including international regulations (Annex 14 and Annex 8 of the Chicago Convention) and their practical application, the importance of crew training, the role of onboard technologies (GPS) and human factors analysis.
The workshop provided an excellent exchange platform between aviation professionals (airlines, airports, air traffic controllers, etc.). The fruitful exchanges will undoubtedly strengthen collaboration between players in the sector and contribute to improving air safety in Cameroon and the African and Indian Ocean region.
Participants were urged to systematically report any incident or accident. According to Mr Kebba Lamin Jammeh, pilot and instructor representing ICAO WACAF, this is essential to feed the ICAO safety databases and promote in-depth analysis of the causes.
Pilots were also urged to be constantly vigilant and to prepare their flights meticulously, including alternative planning (Plan B), to significantly reduce the risk of CFIT. Participants were also unanimous that pilots should not hesitate to abort a mission if flight conditions were no longer optimal.
MKG/ARO-PRU
