Citation

Garrett LC, Conway GA. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 1998; 57(Suppl 1): 510-517.

Affiliation

Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Union for Circumpolar Health, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10093334

Abstract

PURPOSE: In Alaska, aviation was the leading cause of work-related death in 1995 and the second leading cause for the period 1990-95. A descriptive study of aviation crashes was completed to characterize occupational aviation crashes and fatalities in Alaska. METHODS: Aviation-related incidents were abstracted from the Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System and National Transportation Safety Board preliminary reports. RESULTS: Records for a total of 1065 aviation crashes were abstracted. There were 285 aviation-related fatalities (8.5/100,000/yr) for all Alaskans; 135 (47%) of the fatalities (7.3/100,000/yr for Alaskan workers) were occupationally related. Helicopters accounted for 55 (17%) of the total occupational aviation crashes and 14 (10%) of the fatalities. The most common phase of flight cited in all crashes was takeoff (59 [18%]) and landing (136 [41%]); in contrast, only 9 (13%) of the fatal crashes occurred during takeoff and landing combined. In fatal crashes, the cruise phase (27 [38%]), followed by maneuvering (16 [23%]), were the most frequent phases of flight cited. Thirty-one percent (n = 22) of aircraft involved in fatal occupational incidents were not completely destroyed, allowing for potential survivors. Shoulder harnesses and helmet use, improved cockpit design, and energy-absorbing seats could reduce aviation-related injury and death.