HUMAN FACTORS THAT CAUSE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS

Sixty-seven per cent of “cause determined” aircraft accidents occurring in the U. S. Air Force during the calendar year 1955 were caused by human factors. Maintenance and supervisory error accounted for some of those accidents, but pilot error was the factor of greatest magnitude. The pilot sometimes makes errors leading to aircraft accidents as a result of poor physical conditions or having his physiological tolerances overwhelmed or due to behavior irregularities. However, a recent study has revealed that most pilot errors are due to his inability to meet the routine demands of flying. And this inability is due to understandable causes. These causes are unfamiliarity with the aircraft, derelictions in attention, improper attitudes, faulty aids in flying and various distractions. These causes are largely remedial and present a significant problem to both the industry and the Air Force.