False confidence in, SOPs out?
From a coaching perspective, the Gulf Air 072 tragedy illustrates how stress, poor decision-making under pressure, and inadequate adherence to standard procedures can converge to catastrophic effect. The captain’s deviation from standard operating procedures (SOPs) by attempting a low-altitude 360-degree turn instead of a proper go-around manoeuvre highlights a fundamental issue: the interplay between stress, spatial disorientation, and suboptimal decision-making.
Had an AI-supported emotion detection and performance feedback system been integrated into the captain’s training, the outcome might have been different. During simulator sessions, such a system could have identified patterns of elevated stress and its impact on the captain’s decision-making. By objectively measuring physiological and cognitive responses during emergency scenarios, the system could have flagged tendencies towards overcorrection, non-standard manoeuvres, or cognitive overload in high-stakes situations.
For example, the AI might have detected the captain’s predisposition to make overly aggressive control inputs when under duress or when faced with spatial disorientation. Real-time feedback and post-session analysis would have allowed the captain to reflect on these tendencies and develop strategies to remain composed and adhere to SOPs, even in challenging situations.
Furthermore, such a system could have prompted targeted coaching interventions to build resilience and reinforce procedural discipline. By simulating high-stress scenarios with detailed, data-driven feedback, the captain would have been better equipped to manage similar real-life pressures.
The integration of AI in training not only elevates self-awareness but also enables personalised development, ultimately reducing the likelihood of stress-induced errors. Had such tools been in place, the captain might have approached the situation with greater clarity and adherence to SOPs, potentially preventing the chain of events that led to this tragic accident.
