If a plane crash occurs, a government-led investigation will begin. The pilot is usually suspended from duties and undergoes extensive interrogation from the concerned authorities.

The pilot must remain in the country until the inquiry wraps up. If pilots are found responsible for the incident, they may face license suspension or even imprisonment.

On Sept. 29, 2006, a devastating mid-air collision between the Boeing 737—a domestic flight in Brazil—and the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet occurred over the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso due to a series of errors involving air traffic controllers and pilots.

It resulted in the Legacy's wingtip slicing off approximately half of the Boeing 737's left wing, leading to the catastrophic breakup of the Boeing 737 and crash into the jungle, killing all 154 passengers and crew.

The American pilots of the Embraer Legacy 600 that landed safely on a military field underwent extensive questioning and legal proceedings as part of the investigation led by Brazilian authorities.

After the tragedy, the two pilots were initially sentenced to four years and four months in prison, later reduced to community service in the United States. 

However, upon the pilots’ appeal, the Brazilian Supreme Court mandated their return to Brazil to serve their sentences.

License Revocation and Dismissal

Another incident in 2009 led to the revocation of the pilot license in the US. A pilot certificate in the US remains valid for life and is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

On Oct. 21, 2009, Northwest Airlines Flight 188—a regularly scheduled service from San Diego, California, to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota—landed at its destination more than an hour late. The delay occurred after the flight overshot its destination by more than 150 miles due to pilot error.

It was later discovered that the pilots, Captain Timothy Cheney and First Officer Richard Cole, were using their personal laptops during the flight, in violation of airline policy. They were engaged in a discussion while using the laptops, leading to distraction and failure to monitor the aircraft's position and communications.

The FAA revoked the licenses of the two officers, citing several violations of regulations, including failure to comply with the air traffic control instructions and clearances, as well as operating aircraft carelessly and recklessly.

Northwest Airlines also terminated their employment.

Imprisonment

In 2009, an Indonesian sentenced the pilot of Garuda Indonesia to two years in jail for his criminal negligence leading to an air crash in 2007.

Captain Marwoto Komar of Garuda Indonesia Flight 200 ignored multiple warnings from the co-pilot and onboard systems to go around and attempt another landing of the aircraft with 140 people on board. The incident led to the death of 21 people.

Demotion

Sometimes pilots face demotion or other disciplinary actions given various factors such as the pilot's history of service, experiences and contributions. The demoted pilot continues working under closer supervision with reduced responsibilities, with a chance to regain the employer’s trust.

Two of the four pilots aboard the Asiana Airlines aircraft that crashed in 2013 were assigned new duties by its Seoul-based employer.

Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed on July 6, 2013, during its final approach to San Francisco International Airport. The aircraft struck the seawall at the runway threshold and skidded to a stop. Of the 307 people on board, three Chinese teenagers were killed and over 180 others were injured.

Three months after the accident, the two Korean pilots Lee Kang Kuk and Lee Jung Min returned to work as ground staff while the other two relief pilots onboard resumed flying after the crash.

Lee Kang-Kuk was in charge of the jet during the accident, and Lee Jung-Min was an instructor pilot.

Psychological Battle

Like passengers, pilots also face psychological battles following an air disaster. Some of the most common issues they experience include survivor syndrome, guilt, remorse, irrational fears and nightmares.

Capt. Al Haynes and his crew had to experience their share of psychological battles after the United Airlines aircraft incident on July 19, 1989.

To save the lives of 185 people aboard, he tried in vain to prevent the airplane from plummeting uncontrollably to the ground. However, when United Flight 232 slammed onto the Sioux City runway, the jet cartwheeled, broke apart, and exploded in flames, resulting in the tragic loss of 111 lives.

Haynes, renowned for his heroic actions, underwent numerous sessions with a psychiatrist to overcome his survivor’s guilt.

The intense stress and life-threatening nature of an incident can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While some pilots cope much better than others, some never fly again after incidents.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Whether through extraordinary landings, exceptional airmanship, or sheer bravery in the face of danger, pilots are remembered as heroes in the aviation world. Throughout their careers, they often make split-second decisions to save lives.

Amidst stories of devastation, an accident would reveal the piloting skills of flight crews as they turn potential tragedies into a story of hope and survival.

On Jan. 15, 2009, an Airbus A320 suffered a bird airstrike after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, leading to a total loss of engine power. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board.

Sully's heroism was recognized worldwide, earning him accolades and honors, including an invitation to the inauguration of President Barack Obama and the awarding of the French Legion of Honour.

The incident, dubbed as the "Miracle on the Hudson," was retold in the 2016 film Sully which landed at the box office worldwide.

Captain Sullenberger was hailed as a hero for his actions. Although he was neither fired nor faced any repercussions, he retired from US Airways shortly after the incident.

Sullenberger left the aviation industry and has since become a public speaker, author, and advocate for aviation safety.