## A Close Call at LaGuardia: When a Go-Around Goes Wrong

Air travel, for all its technological marvels, remains inherently risky. While incidents are thankfully rare, they serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable forces at play. Recently, a regional jet experienced a frightening encounter during an approach to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, highlighting the crucial role of pilot skill and aircraft resilience in averting disaster.

The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operated by a Delta Connection carrier, was executing a go-around – a procedure where the pilot aborts a landing and initiates a climb to re-attempt the approach. Go-arounds are routine occurrences, often triggered by factors such as poor visibility, runway obstructions, or concerns about the aircraft’s approach speed or trajectory. They are a critical safety mechanism, designed to prevent potentially hazardous landings.

However, in this instance, the go-around took a dramatic turn. During the climb after the aborted landing, the aircraft’s wing made contact with the runway. The precise details of the impact remain to be determined by the ongoing investigation. However, such events are incredibly rare and typically point to one or more of several contributing factors.

One possibility lies in the aircraft’s flight path during the go-around. The angle of climb, the airspeed, and the bank angle all play crucial roles in determining the aircraft’s trajectory. An unexpectedly steep or shallow climb could place the wing dangerously close to the ground, especially during a go-around from a low altitude. This can be exacerbated by wind shear, gusts of wind that change direction and speed suddenly, making it challenging for pilots to maintain precise control.

Another potential factor is a misjudgment of the aircraft’s position relative to the runway. While pilots rely on sophisticated instruments, human error remains a possibility. Factors such as fatigue, workload, or distractions can impact decision-making, potentially leading to a miscalculation of the aircraft’s altitude and clearance from the ground.

The design and structural integrity of the CRJ-900 itself are also significant considerations. These aircraft are built to withstand substantial stresses, and the wing’s design incorporates safety margins to accommodate the unexpected. The extent of the damage to the wing, once assessed, will provide valuable insights into the forces involved in the incident. A thorough examination of the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) will undoubtedly be key to understanding the sequence of events leading to the wing strike.

Following such incidents, several measures are usually taken. Investigations by regulatory bodies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are initiated to determine the root cause, identify contributing factors, and recommend preventative measures. Pilot training protocols are reviewed to ensure best practices are adhered to, and potentially, additional training on go-around procedures may be implemented. The aircraft itself will undergo a rigorous inspection to assess the extent of the damage and ensure its airworthiness before returning to service.

Ultimately, this close call serves as a reminder that aviation safety is a continuous process. Even routine procedures, such as go-arounds, can present challenges under specific circumstances. The vigilance of pilots, the robustness of aircraft designs, and the rigorous oversight of regulatory bodies are all crucial in mitigating risk and ensuring the continued safe operation of air travel.