One crew member was killed after a cargo plane crashed early Monday on the outskirts of Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, skidded into a house and burst into flames. The head of the Lithuanian Police, Arūnas Paulauskas, said the incident was "most likely due to a technical fault or a human error, but terrorism cannot be ruled out".

The main causes of plane crashes typically fall into a few broad categories, with human error being the most common. Here's a breakdown of the primary causes:

1. Human Error (Approximately 50–70% of crashes)

• Pilot Error: Mistakes in decision-making, misinterpretation of instruments, or incorrect responses to emergencies.

• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Errors: Miscommunication or improper guidance from air traffic controllers.

  
  

2. Mechanical Failures (Approximately 20% of crashes)

• Malfunctions in key aircraft components like engines, hydraulics, or control systems.

• Issues often arise from wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or inadequate maintenance.

  
  

3. Weather Conditions (Approximately 10% of crashes)

• Severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning, strong turbulence, or icing on the wings.

• Poor visibility due to fog or heavy rain can also contribute.

  
  

4. Bird Strikes

• Birds can damage engines or other critical parts of the aircraft, particularly during takeoff or landing.

  
  

5. Sabotage or Terrorism (Approximately 5–10% of crashes)

• Deliberate acts such as hijackings, bombings, or cyberattacks.

  
  

6. Other Causes

• Runway Incidents: Collisions or overruns during takeoff or landing.

• Mid-Air Collisions: Rare but catastrophic when they occur.

• Fuel-Related Issues: Running out of fuel or fuel contamination.

What Contributes to Plane Crashes?

Most accidents result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. For example:

• A pilot might make an error while responding to a mechanical failure.

• Poor weather might exacerbate an already challenging situation.