AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

What was the cause of the fatal accidents with the Comet aircraft?

1. Pilot error

2. Structural failure

3. Weather conditions

4. Engine failure

The correct answer is: Structural failure

The Comet aircraft, the first commercial jet airliner, faced a series of fatal accidents that were ultimately attributed to structural failure. The design of the Comet included square windows, which created stress concentration points that led to metal fatigue. As the aircraft underwent repetitive pressurization cycles during flights, these stress points became critical and resulted in catastrophic failure. The incidents raised significant concerns about aircraft design and materials, leading to the introduction of more stringent safety regulations in aviation engineering. This structural failure was a pivotal lesson in the history of aviation, emphasizing the importance of considering the effects of pressurization on airframe materials and shapes. Consequently, the issues surrounding the Comet transformed aircraft design philosophies, leading to the adoption of more robust designs and the use of rounded windows in future aircraft to mitigate stress concentrations.