Understading “Mayday” Distress Call During Plane Crashes

The Air India Boeing 787 plane crash accident near Ahmedabad airport is sending shocking tremors across the nation. This is a biggest aviation disaster the country has ever seen.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the flight reportedly gave a “Mayday” distress call to the ATC as soon as it took off. However, when contacted back, the flight lost its signal. In the view of the same, let us explore what is a “Mayday” call?

A “Mayday call” is a special emergency signal used by pilots, ship captains, and others to ask for immediate help when they are stuck between life and death situation. Usually, these calls are given during a plane crash, engine failure, or any life-threatening situation.

“Mayday” actually comes from the French word “m’aidez” which means “help me.”

Usually, the pilots or ship captains give this call thrice, so that everyone listening knows it’s a real emergency and not just a mistake or a joke.

In the context of a plane crash:
Imagine a plane is flying and suddenly, something goes terribly wrong, the pilot uses the radio to call Air Traffic Control (ATC) or other nearby aircraft.

Saying “Mayday” clearly separates a real emergency from normal communication. “Mayday” is recognized around the world, so no matter where the pilot is, everyone understands it.

For instance, the pilot in this context could have given a call like, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Flight 787. Engine failure. We are losing altitude.”

This Mayday call immediately alerts all air traffic controllers and pilots nearby that this flight is in serious trouble and needs urgent help.