Citation

de Voogt AJ, van Doom RR. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 2009; 80(8): 732-733.

Affiliation

Work & Social Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. alex.devoogt@psychology.unimaas.nl

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Aerospace Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19653578

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Aerobatic flights are the most significant risk factor for fatal injury and make up 50% of U.S. accidents in general aviation involving airport transport pilots. METHOD: An analysis of the dangers of these maneuvers is presented using 25 yr of U.S. reported accidents. RESULTS: More than 80% of the 494 accidents were fatal. The main cause of accident was not maintaining (proper) altitude while adverse weather was not present as a cause of accident. Nearly half the number of pilots had over 7500 h of flight experience. Homebuilt aircraft appear significantly more likely to be part of a fatal accident, showing more structural, engine, and system failures. CONCLUSION: Although there is a downward trend in the number of aerobatic-related accidents, the reduction of accidents is much assisted by either regulation or awareness training of pilots using homebuilt aircraft in aerobatic maneuvers.

Language: en