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Passenger injuries, youclaim.co.uk

Aircraft weight and balance limits

Although flying is statistically the safest way to travel, when faults do occur, the consequences can often be devastating. If you, or a family member, have been adversely affected in an aircraft crash, you may be entitled to plane accident compensation through YouClaim.

The Air Navigation Order 2005 states the commander of a UK registered aircraft should take reasonable steps to ensure aircraft loads are of a weight which can be safely distributed, secured and carried onboard.

Most pilots understand and recognise the dangers of overloading. However, according to the Civil Aviation Authority, some do not bother to weigh their planes or simply forget. As a result, overloading has contributed to several fatal air accidents.

The dangers of overloading aircraft

Before take-off, pilots should remember the combined mass of fuel, luggage and passengers can exceed a plane's weight and gravity limits.

To ensure a plane is not overloaded, the pilot should consult his or her flight manual to find weight limits for their particular aircraft. If a plane is too heavy, pilots must take suitable steps to lighten their vehicle.

An overloaded aircraft can be dangerous and may suffer various problems, such as:

  • Decreased acceleration and take-off speed;

  • Reduced rate of climb;

  • Greater take-off and landing speeds;

  • Excessive weight on the landing gear;

  • Impaired manoeuvrability;

  • Needing a longer runway;

  • Limited range; and

  • Reduced braking ability.

In addition, pilots must ensure cargo is correctly positioned to not impede a plane's centre of gravity. If an object exceeds these limits, an aircraft may experience instability, reduced manoeuvrability or decreased effectiveness.

Overloading is a serious problem which can dramatically reduce an aircraft's controllability. Before taking off, pilots must ensure their vehicle adheres to its required weight and balance limits – otherwise those adversely affected may be entitled to claim plane accident compensation.

Overloaded plane crashes

In 2010, a plane crash in New Zealand killed nine people. The results of an investigation were released two years later which showed the owner had not completed proper calculations and had overloaded the aircraft.

As a result, the extra weight interfered with the plane's centre of gravity and caused it to crash just after take-off.

In this situation, the relatives of those killed would probably be able to claim compensation from the aircraft operator.

Claiming compensation with YouClaim

Although plane crashes are rare, accidents are normally fatal. However if you or a family member have suffered personal injury in an aircraft accident, you may be entitled to compensation providing the incident was not your fault.

At YouClaim, we realise that often no amount of money can ever make things right – but we can help you recover any lost earnings or improve your quality of life.

To find out if you are entitled to plane accident compensation, or to receive free legal advice, please speak to one of our experienced staff members on 0800 10 757 95.

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