A 15-Year Multivariate Analysis Of Worldwide Offshore Helicopter Accidents

In helicopter operations, the prevention of safety occurrences largely depends on long-term analyses of accidents. However, the variables explored and methods employed in such analyses vary considerably. This paper builds on the shortcomings identified in previous safety studies in the helicopter domain to critically investigate the characteristics of accidents in worldwide offshore helicopter transportation between 1997 and 2011. Following the necessary establishment of terminological definitions, identification of variables of relevance to accidents and careful data collection, a three-fold statistical analysis plan was executed. The results highlight a number of areas in need of priority intervention, such as internationally harmonised protocols for accident data generation and dissemination, adoption of cause-based metrics for the calculation of accident rates, pilot performance shortcomings during the nighttime and arrival manoeuvres, overreliance on medium twin-turbine helicopters and embracement of a new safety paradigm on the face of rare accidents.