THE MOST DANGEROUS PHASE OF THE FLIGHT
Every phase of flight has its own challenges, but which one is the most dangerous?
Statistically, takeoff and landing phases account for most accidents. However, that doesn’t mean the others are risk-free.
Let’s take a closer look at the main phases and the arguments for each being the most critical.
Taxi
It may seem harmless, but taxiing is more dangerous than most people think. Why?
Low visibility in bad weather or at night
Complex airport layouts can lead to wrong turns or runway incursions
Distractions in the cockpit during checklists or briefings
Risk of collision with other aircraft or ground vehicles
Taxi accidents often involve minor damage, but the risk of runway incursions, like the infamous Tenerife disaster, shows how serious things can get.
Takeoff
Takeoff is one of the highest-risk moments due to:
High engine thrust and performance demand
Little time to react in case of an emergency (like engine failure after V1)
No altitude or space to glide or maneuver safely
If something goes wrong, there’s little margin for error. That’s why careful performance calculations, briefings, and proper decision-making (abort/go) are essential.
Climb
Once airborne, the climb phase still carries some danger
High workload for the pilots
Limited escape options if an engine fails
Risk of terrain collision in mountainous areas
Busy airspace close to airports
A mistake or distraction during climb, especially in IMC or unfamiliar airports, can be serious.
Cruise
Cruise is the most stable and relaxed phase, but that doesn’t mean it's risk-free:
Complacency and reduced attention from the crew
Weather threats, like clear air turbulence or thunderstorms
Fuel mismanagement or navigation errors on long hauls
Engine failures or decompression far from diversion airports
Over oceans or remote areas, even small issues can become big problems due to distance and limited options.
Approach
As aircraft get closer to landing, the risks increase again:
High workload and time pressure
Changing weather conditions
Go-around decision-making
Terrain or obstacle proximity
Many unstable approaches lead to hard landings, runway excursions, or CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain). Situational awareness and adherence to a stable approach are key here.
Landing
Landing is one of the most accident-prone phases. Why?
Energy management must be precise
Wind shifts, wet or contaminated runways
Visual illusions or runway confusion
Decision-making errors (late go-around, delayed flare)
Even experienced pilots can get caught by surprise if they don’t stay focused until the aircraft is stopped.
So, which phase is the most dangerous?
The real answer is: YOU DECIDE.
Each phase has its own set of risks. Statistically, approach and landing are the most accident-prone. But takeoff is also critical due to performance and time constraints. Even cruise, which feels calm, can turn serious in a matter of seconds.
What matters most is knowing the risks of each phase and being prepared to deal with them.