Understanding the emergency code in airplane accidents
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
An Air India plane with 242 people on board crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday (12th). Shortly after takeoff, the plane sent a distress signal to air traffic control, internationally known as "Mayday." The term "Mayday" is used in aviation to indicate a serious and imminent emergency. It originates from the French phrase "m'aidez," which means "help me." When a pilot issues this distress call, they signal that the aircraft is in a critical situation, such as a severe system failure, onboard fire, or loss of control, and that immediate assistance is needed. There is another emergency code called "PAN-PAN," used when the situation is serious but the aircraft's safety is not directly threatened. "Mayday," on the other hand, requires an immediate response and highest priority from air traffic controllers and airport infrastructure. Upon receiving a "Mayday" request, the control tower and airport mobilize all their emergency resources: rescue teams, ambulances, firefighters, and cleared flight paths. Rapid communication enables preparing the landing or a potential crash site as best as possible to reduce damage and save lives. In the case of the crash in India, the distress signal was sent a few minutes after takeoff when the aircraft was about 190 meters above the ground. While "Mayday" cannot prevent an accident, it is essential for ensuring a swift and coordinated response. This protocol is one of the most critical tools in modern aviation safety and is activated whenever there is an immediate threat to the aircraft's integrity and its occupants.