(A) Brief introduction of the tragedy

The world’s first passenger jet air service was named the Comet. The Comet, first flown in
1949, designed to show the flag serving destinations in the Middle East, Africa and the far east.
Shortly after departing Rome in January 1954 a British Overseas Airways Corporation, BOAC
Comet exploded in mid-air and fell into the sea. BOAC immediately grounded its Comet fleet
for examination.

(B) Highlight the causes of air crash

1. Fatigue Failure (metal fatigue)
a. Occur from repeatedly flex from one direction to another.
b. Small crack started to appear
2. Usage of thin aluminium for the airplane body to make the aircraft lighter
3. Microscopic Manufacturing defect
4. Stress concentrated at windows and doors of aircraft.
a. Windows is rivetted not glued – cause fatigue crack propagation
b. Shape of windows concentrates stress at the edges
5. Sudden change in pressure of the cabin cause explosion
6. Pressurization system puts enormous strain on the fuselage causing stress to the skin,
especially around the window.

(C) What industry have learned from the tragedy & action taken from the tragedy
1. Fatigue cracks can be avoided by using glue to install the windows instead of using
rivets.
2. The tragedy occurs due to microscopic defect
3. Technique of analyzing metal fatigue is improved.
4. Fitting of rounded rather than square windows to reduce stress concentration.
5. A deep-sea aircraft salvage, reconstruction and investigation techniques is developed.
6. The characteristic of material is important in using it to make the aircraft body
7. Simulation of aircraft with detailed parts must be done for any situation before flight.