2018 is a bad year in terms of of fatal accidents in commercial aviation. Since the beginning of the year, several dramas followed one another as that in Iran with more than 60 dead, in Russia with 71 dead.
But the number of victims must be put into perspective given the increasing number of aircraft taking off and landing every second in the world.
Significant loss of life
More than 100 people reportedly died yesterday Friday after the crash of the Boeing 737-200 leased by Cubana de Aviacion on takeoff from Havana’s José Marti International Airport.
Three women would be in critical condition after surviving the crash a few kilometres from the runway.
Boeing 737 crashes shortly after takeoff
Airport sources have indicated that the aircraft crashed after takeoff, shortly after its first turn. Flight DMJ 0972 was bound for Holguin, about 800 km east of Havana. and the accident occurred at 12:08 (18:08 French time) on Friday May 18.
An old device that had been overhauled
Boeing issued a statement of condolence and stated: « A Boeing’s technical team stands ready to assist, such as permitted under U.S. law and under the direction of National Transportation Safety Board of the United States and authorities Cuban. ».
The Boeing 737-201 was leased by the national airline Cubana de Aviacion to the Mexican company Global aerolineas Damojh. The aircraft was put into service in 1979 and had passed its last revision in November 2017.