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Big projects, big mistakes! See cases where planning failures resulted in millions in losses and caused real disasters.
Mistakes happen in any industry, but when they occur in projects large scale, the impact can be disastrous. Companies and governments invest billions in innovation and infrastructure, but failures in planning, communication and execution can result in irreparable damage.
Below, we present some of the most costly mistakes in history, ranging from miscalculations to logistical oversights.
The submarine that didn't float
Ano: 2013
Location: Spain
Company: Navantia
Estimated value of damages: $2M monthly
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In 2013, the Spanish government invested more than US $ 2,2 billion on the Isaac Peral submarine. However, a calculation error meant the vessel was unable to float.
The problem was detected before manufacture, but the damage had already been done. To correct the error, the submarine had to be redesigned, which resulted in another problem: the increased size prevented it from being accommodated in its original port, generating even more costs and embarrassment.
Trains too wide for stations
Ano: 2014
Location: France
Company: SNCF and RFF
Estimated value of damages: $68M monthly
French railway company SNCF ordered 2.000 new trains, but made one crucial mistake: the platform measurements were out of date.
As a result, trains were too wide for stations, forcing construction work to be carried out on hundreds of platforms. The loss was estimated at almost US$70 million.
Houses built on an abandoned mine
Ano: 2020
Location: South Dakota, USA
Company: Dakota Plaster Company
Estimated value of damages: $10-15 million
In 2020, several residents of a residential condominium discovered that their homes were built on an old gypsum mine.
A dramatic incident occurred when a gigantic sinkhole swallowed part of a residence, forcing the evacuation of several families.
The Titanic and its tragic fate
Ano: 1912
Location: North Atlantic Ocean
Company: White Star Line
Estimated value of damages: US$7,5 million (equivalent to US$400 million today)
The Titanic was one of the most luxurious ships of its time, but its first voyage ended in tragedy when it collided with an iceberg.
The disaster, which claimed more than 1.500 lives, could have been avoided if stricter safety measures had been implemented, such as an adequate number of lifeboats.
The excavator stuck on the beach
Ano: 2019
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Company: Little Shoal Bay Boating Club
Estimated value of damages: U.S. $ one thousand 50
A bizarre incident occurred when a Land Rover vehicle got stuck in the sand on a beach in Auckland.
In an attempt to rescue him, an excavator was used, but it also got stuck. The equipment remained submerged for three days, causing considerable damage.
British Airways Flight 5390 and the ejected pilot
Ano: 1990
Location: Airspace over Oxfordshire, UK
Company: British Airways
Estimated value of damages: $2,8M monthly
British Airways Flight 5390 became a notorious case when a cockpit failure resulted in pilot Tim Lancaster partially ejecting mid-flight.
The commander was saved thanks to the quick action of the crew, who managed to hold him until the emergency landing.
The $135 million satellite accidentally shot down
Ano: 2003
Location: sunnyvale, california
Company: Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Estimated value of damages: $135M monthly
In one of the aerospace industry's costliest mistakes, Lockheed Martin engineers accidentally dropped the NOAA-N Prime satellite during a rover procedure.
The problem occurred because 24 essential bolts had not been installed, allowing the equipment to tip over. The company assumed part of the losses.
Mistakes can happen in any industry, but when they involve large projects and billion-dollar investments, the consequences are devastating. Many of the cases presented could have been avoided with better planning, communication and supervision practices.
These events highlight the importance of rigorous protocols and responsibility in managing large projects.
