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Full-Text Articles in Aviation Safety and Security

Beneath The Tip Of The Iceberg: A Human Factors Analysis Of General Aviation Accidents In Alaska Versus The Rest Of The United States, Cristy Detwiler, Carla Hackworth, Kali Holcomb, Albert Boquet, Elaine Pfleiderer, Douglas Wiegmann, Scott Shappell Mar 2006

Beneath The Tip Of The Iceberg: A Human Factors Analysis Of General Aviation Accidents In Alaska Versus The Rest Of The United States, Cristy Detwiler, Carla Hackworth, Kali Holcomb, Albert Boquet, Elaine Pfleiderer, Douglas Wiegmann, Scott Shappell

Publications

Historically, general aviation (GA) accidents have been overlooked and their impact under-appreciated when compared with those in the commercial or military sector. Recently however, the Federal Aviation Administration and other governmental and civilian organizations have focused their attention on one piece of this proverbial “iceberg,” that being GA accidents occurring in Alaska. This study examines more than 17,000 GA accidents using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. Comparisons of Alaska to the rest of the U.S. (RoUS) included traditional demographic and environmental variables, as well as the human errors committed by aircrews. Overall, categorical differences among unsafe acts (decision …


Human Error And General Aviation Accidents: A Comprehensive, Fine-Grained Analysis Using Hfacs, Douglas Wiegmann, Troy Faaborg, Albert Boquet, Cristy Detwiler, Kali Holcomb, Scott Shappell Dec 2005

Human Error And General Aviation Accidents: A Comprehensive, Fine-Grained Analysis Using Hfacs, Douglas Wiegmann, Troy Faaborg, Albert Boquet, Cristy Detwiler, Kali Holcomb, Scott Shappell

Publications

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is a theoretically based tool for investigating and analyzing human error associated with accidents and incidents. Previous research performed at both the University of Illinois and the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute has successfully shown that HFACS can be reliably used to analyze the underlying human causes of both commercial and general aviation (GA) accidents. These analyses have helped identify general trends in the types of human factors issues and aircrew errors that have contributed to civil aviation accidents. The next step was to identify the exact nature of the human errors identified. …


Integration Of The Shel Model With The Flight Operational Quality Assurance (Foqa) Program, James T. Schultz, Scott Forn, Marian C. Schultz Oct 2005

Integration Of The Shel Model With The Flight Operational Quality Assurance (Foqa) Program, James T. Schultz, Scott Forn, Marian C. Schultz

Publications

The SHEL Model has been used to explore relationships between liveware, environmental, hardware and software factors. This study attempts to integrate Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program data with the SHEL model. Aircraft record data that can be used to monitor the human interface within the entire system, plus identify faults and potential failures within the system before a major accident or incident occurs. These data have existed for over four decades, and FOQA offers a way to both analyze and act upon them. The relationships between the SHEL model and FOQA data can help to ensure our nation's skies …


The Influence Of Visibility, Cloud Ceiling, Financial Incentive, And Personality Factors On General Aviation Pilots' Willingness To Take Off Into Marginal Weather, Part I: The Data And Preliminary Conclusions, William Knecht, Howard Harris, Scott Shappell Apr 2005

The Influence Of Visibility, Cloud Ceiling, Financial Incentive, And Personality Factors On General Aviation Pilots' Willingness To Take Off Into Marginal Weather, Part I: The Data And Preliminary Conclusions, William Knecht, Howard Harris, Scott Shappell

Publications

Adverse weather is the leading cause of fatalities in general aviation (GA). In this research, influences of ground visibility, cloud ceiling height, financial incentive, and personality were tested on 60 GA pilots' willingness to take off into simulated adverse weather. Results suggested that pilots do not see "weather" as a monolithic cognitive construct but, rather, as an interaction between its separate factors. This is supported by the finding that the multiplicative statistical effect of visibility and ceiling could better predict takeoff than could the linear effect of either variable considered separately. Also found was a statistical trend toward financial incentive …


Final Report: A Comparison Of Three Evaluative Techniques For Validating Maintenance Documentation, Alex Chaparro, Bonnie Rogers, Chris Hambllin, Barbara Chaparro Feb 2004

Final Report: A Comparison Of Three Evaluative Techniques For Validating Maintenance Documentation, Alex Chaparro, Bonnie Rogers, Chris Hambllin, Barbara Chaparro

Publications

Surveys and interviews reveal that general aviation manufacturers rely on user[s] to identify problems in maintenance documentation with corrections typically initiated in response to users-reported problems found in the manual;. This investigation compares techniques that manufacturers can use to improve the quality of the maintenance documentation developed by technical writing groups. The techniques, User Performance and Cognitive Walkthrough, were used to identify problems in aircraft maintenance documentation.


A Human Error Analysis Of General Aviation Controlled Flight Into The Terrain Accidents Occurring Between 1990-1998, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann Mar 2003

A Human Error Analysis Of General Aviation Controlled Flight Into The Terrain Accidents Occurring Between 1990-1998, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann

Publications

Although all aviation accidents are of interest to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), perhaps none is more disconcerting than those in which a fully functioning aircraft is inexplicably flown into the ground. Referred to as controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), these accidents continue to be a major safety concern within aviation, in particular general aviation (GA). A previous study as part of the FAA's Safer Skies agenda examined 165 CFIT accidents using root cause analysis and developed 55 interventions to address their causes. While the study represented the work and opinions of several experts in the FAA and industry, the …


Survey Of Aviation Maintenance Technical Manuals, Phase 3 Report: Final Report And Recommendations, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff Dec 2002

Survey Of Aviation Maintenance Technical Manuals, Phase 3 Report: Final Report And Recommendations, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff

Publications

This report contains the results from the final phase of a three-phase research effort. Phase 1 of this research effort surveyed the procedures used by five aircraft manufacturers to develop maintenance documentation. Several potential human factors issues were identified in the processes used by these manufacturers to develop their maintenance manuals. The issues included the reactive rather than proactive use of user evaluations, the limited use of user input and procedure validation, no systematic attempts to track errors, and the lack of standards for measuring document quality. In Phase 2, a written survey was used to solicit information about user …


Survey Of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 2 Report: User Evaluation Of Maintenance Documents, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff, Barbara S. Chaparro, Deborah Scarlett May 2002

Survey Of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 2 Report: User Evaluation Of Maintenance Documents, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff, Barbara S. Chaparro, Deborah Scarlett

Publications

This report contains the results from Phase 2 of a 3-phase research effort. Phase 1 (Human Factors Survey of Aviation Technical Manuals Phase 1 Report: Manual Development Procedures) of this research effort surveyed the procedures used by five manufacturers to develop maintenance documentation. Several potential human factors issues were identified in the development processes employed by these manufacturers. They included the reactive rather than proactive use of user evaluations, the limited use of user input and procedure validation, no systematic attempts to track error, and the lack of standards for measuring document quality. In Phase 2, a written survey was …


Human Factors Survey Of Aviation Maintenance Technical Manuals, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff Apr 2002

Human Factors Survey Of Aviation Maintenance Technical Manuals, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff

Publications

The reported work is part of a 3 phased effort to identify human factors issues in the development of aviation technical manuals, and make recommendations for the improvement of those documents. Phase 1 of this research effort surveyed the procedures used by five manufacturers to develop maintenance documentation. Several human factors issues were identified in the development process employed by these manufacturers. They included the reactive rather than proactive use of user evaluations, the limited use of user input and procedure validation, no systematic attempts to track error, and the lack of standards for measuring document quality. Given the issues …


Human Factors Survey Of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 1: Manual Development Procedures, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff Aug 2001

Human Factors Survey Of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 1: Manual Development Procedures, Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff

Publications

This report contains the results from Phase 1 of a three-phase research effort. Phase 1 examines aviation industry procedures for developing maintenance technical data. Phase 2 will document user problems with maintenance technical data. Phase 3 will identify maintenance technical data development improvements by applying human factors principles. Five aircraft manufacturers were surveyed regarding company policy, communication, data tracking, user feedback, and error reduction efforts. The five industry participants represent both regional and large commercial transport manufacturers. Phase 1 survey results revealed three significant maintenance technical data issues: inconsistent development process guidelines, reactive rather than proactive response to user feedback, …


A Human Error Analysis Of Commercial Aviation Accidents Using The Human Factors Analysis And Classification System (Hfacs), Douglas A. Wiegmann, Scott A. Shappell Feb 2001

A Human Error Analysis Of Commercial Aviation Accidents Using The Human Factors Analysis And Classification System (Hfacs), Douglas A. Wiegmann, Scott A. Shappell

Publications

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is a general human error framework originally developed and tested within the U.S. military as a tool for investigating and analyzing the human causes of aviation accidents. Based upon Reason’s (1990) model of latent and active failures, HFACS addresses human error at all levels of the system, including the condition of aircrew and organizational factors. The purpose of the present study was to assess the utility of the HFACS framework as an error analysis and classification tool outside the military. Specifically, HFACS was applied to commercial aviation accident records maintained by the …


Human Error And Accident Causation Theories, Frameworks And Analytical Techniques: An Annotated Bibliography, Douglas A. Wiegmann, Aaron M. Rich, Scott A. Shappell Sep 2000

Human Error And Accident Causation Theories, Frameworks And Analytical Techniques: An Annotated Bibliography, Douglas A. Wiegmann, Aaron M. Rich, Scott A. Shappell

Publications

Over the last several decades, humans have played a progressively more important causal role in aviation accidents as aircraft have become more [complex]. Consequently, a growing number of aviation organizations are tasking their safety personnel with developing safety programs to address the highly complex and often nebulous issue of human error. However, there is generally no “off-the-shelf” or standard approach for addressing human error in aviation. Indeed, recent years have seen a proliferation of human error frameworks and accident investigation schemes to the point where there now appears to be as many human error models as there are people interested …


The Human Factors Analysis And Classification System--Hfacs, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann Feb 2000

The Human Factors Analysis And Classification System--Hfacs, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann

Publications

Human error has been implicated in 70 to 80% of all civil and military aviation accidents. Yet, most accident reporting systems are not designed around any theoretical framework of human error. As a result, most accident databases are not conducive to a traditional human error analysis, making the identification of intervention strategies onerous. What is required is a general human error framework around which new investigative methods can be designed and existing accident databases restructured. Indeed, a comprehensive human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) has recently been developed to meet those needs. Specifically, the HFACS framework has been used …


Touch The Wind, Tim Brady Apr 1998

Touch The Wind, Tim Brady

Publications

Historical background on the development of flight navigational instruments based on discoveries made by Lt. James H. Doolittle.


Upon Closer Inspection...U.S. Naval Aviation Mishaps 1977-1992, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann Apr 1994

Upon Closer Inspection...U.S. Naval Aviation Mishaps 1977-1992, Scott A. Shappell, Douglas A. Wiegmann

Publications

The U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Class A flight/flight-related mishap rate has declined markedly since 1953. However, analysis of all Class A, B, and C naval aviation mishaps between January 1977 and December 1992 reveals that mishaps attributable to human factors have declined at a slower rate than those attributable to mechanical/environmental factors. Upon closer inspection of the data, marked differences were evident between single-piloted and dual-piloted aircraft. Global trends were primarily a function of single-piloted aircraft, particularly when phase of flight and time of day that a mishap occurred are considered. Previously reported improvement in aviation safety may be biased by …


Aerodynamic Forces On Flight Crew Helmets, Timothy A. Sestak, Richard M. Howard, Chester A. Heard Sep 1989

Aerodynamic Forces On Flight Crew Helmets, Timothy A. Sestak, Richard M. Howard, Chester A. Heard

Publications

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to deter- mine the aerodynamic forces generated on aircrew flight helmets. Three helmets were tested: two used by aircrews flying ejection seat aircraft in the U.S. military, the Navy HGU-33/P and the Air Force HGU-53/P; and one prototype helmet of significantly different shape and volume. Axial and normal forces were measured through a range of pitch and yaw angles. It was found that large forces exist tending to promote helmet loss during ejection, and that simple modifications to the current helmet configurations can reduce those forces by as much as 40%. It is demonstrated that …


What Is An Airlifter?, Tim Brady Aug 1973

What Is An Airlifter?, Tim Brady

Publications

This article describes the components that make up the Tactical Air Command flight crew, from loadmaster, to flight engineer, to navigator, to copilot, and lastly, to pilot. All together, the crew work in coordination to deliver the goods or the troops. This article was Dr. Brady's last as editor of TAC Attack. Under his two-year leadership, the safety message continued to be heard.


The Spin--An Accident Analysis, Tim Brady Jun 1973

The Spin--An Accident Analysis, Tim Brady

Publications

An analysis of an accident involving a C-130 Hercules is described. C-130s do spin and the outcome is normally fatal to aircrew members.


The Alligators Will Get You, If You Don't Watch Out!, Tim Brady Apr 1973

The Alligators Will Get You, If You Don't Watch Out!, Tim Brady

Publications

This article relates which tools can help pilots prepare to land at unknown airports.


Gear-Up Landings, Or...Let It All Hang Out, Tim Brady Feb 1973

Gear-Up Landings, Or...Let It All Hang Out, Tim Brady

Publications

Gear-up landings, or belly landings, continue to plague civilian, military and commercial aviation. A study has begun on a new effective device to warn pilots if the landing gear is not deployed correctly before landing.


The Airlift Instructor School, Tim Brady Nov 1972

The Airlift Instructor School, Tim Brady

Publications

The development of the Airlift Instructor School at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, is discussed. This article details the school's philosophy, programs and courses. Standardization in training means a better safety posture.


The 'Can Do' Attitude, Tim Brady Aug 1972

The 'Can Do' Attitude, Tim Brady

Publications

Having the Can Do Attitude is essential to be efficient. If one is efficient, then one is thinking of safety, which is the goal of the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command.


The Longest Flight, Tim Brady May 1972

The Longest Flight, Tim Brady

Publications

Recounts the last leg of a ferry mission in a C-7 from Southeast Asia to Okinawa where the aircraft experienced serious malfunctions. Rescue accomplished just short of destination with very minor injuries to flight crew after ditching.


Bio What?, Tim Brady Mar 1972

Bio What?, Tim Brady

Publications

A study is made of biorhythm charts and aircraft accidents at TAC. In one 3-year span, 1969-1972, covering 59 accidents, 13 of those accidents occurred on a "critical biorhythmic day" and 40% of the total accidents happened when at least one of the pilots involved had two or more biorhythmic cycles in the minus portion. All accidents are preventable and all people are accident preventers. Understanding why accidents happen and that they are sometimes caused by human error is one area that needs continued study to determine how to reduce accidents.


Another Look At Hydroplaning, Tim Brady Feb 1972

Another Look At Hydroplaning, Tim Brady

Publications

This article examines the factors contributing to the hydroplaning of aircraft tires on airport runways: ground speed, tire pressure, and water depth vs. tire tread depth. Aircraft weight does not bear any affect on aircraft tire hydroplaning.


The Professionals, Tim Brady Jan 1972

The Professionals, Tim Brady

Publications

The professional pilot is able to handle many critical situations with calmness, split-second decision-making skills, and knowledge of aircraft capabilities, all the while depending on team support.


The Lure Of Home, Tim Brady Dec 1971

The Lure Of Home, Tim Brady

Publications

This article recounts an aircraft accident that could have been avoided. The pilot ignored flight manual warnings to not fly in icing conditions. The pilot disregarded all advice to stay on the ground but he was anxious to get home and celebrate an occasion with his family. All lives lost on the flight.


Holidays From Danger, Tim Brady Nov 1971

Holidays From Danger, Tim Brady

Publications

A reminder to be safe during holidays to prevent fires, avoid personal injury, and stay off the roads after drinking.


On Target, Tim Brady Oct 1971

On Target, Tim Brady

Publications

An examination of aircraft accidents in the military while training for weapons delivery maneuvers.


Midair! Midair!, Tim Brady Sep 1971

Midair! Midair!, Tim Brady

Publications

A review of a midair collision involving a civilian aircraft and a military aircraft. Careful adherence to the see and avoid principle is advised for all aircraft.