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Aviation Safety

Investigating Pilot Error in Plane Crashes: A Human Factors Analysis

The FAA, DoD, and NASA has a very specific and intentional approach to mishap analysis after a devastating accident. Learn more about this approach that has led to aviation becoming the safest and most reliable form of transportation in the modern era.

By Rocky Jedick MD, MBA · · 8 min read

General Aviation Mishap Trends

Although horrific plane crashes make headlines, traveling by air remains the safest form of transportation. Your chance of being a victim of an airplane crash is 99.999% safe.

Causal Trends in USN Aircraft Mishaps

CAUSES IN AVIATION ACCIDENTS

The first fatal aviation accident was solely a mechanical failure. Today, about 70-80% of all aviation accidents are caused by human (pilot) error.

HUMAN FACTOR MODELS

Bird's Domino Theory The Swiss Cheese Model

The Swiss Cheese Model categories:

  1. Organizational Influences
  2. Unsafe Supervision
  3. Preconditions for Unsafe Acts
  4. Unsafe Acts

Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS)

HFACS Tree

HFACS is used by U.S. DoD, NASA, the NTSB, and international aviation organizations.

See also: Tenerife Disaster

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