Human Error Mishap Causation in Naval Aviation

The naval aviation mishap rate has declined from almost eighteen aircraft destroyed per 100,000 flight hours thirty three years ago to today's rate of three and a half, as the result of better aircraft design, maintenance, and training. However, pilot error, usually accounting for slightly less than half of the aircraft mishap causation, has shown a recent increase. The reasons most often cited for these pilot errors are violations of air discipline, poor crew coordination, lack of judgement, and a loss of situational awareness. The Navy has recently initiated a trial program to teach skills in these areas to pilots.