Survey of Australian Agricultural Aviation Accidents & Incidents 1985-1992

This review of agricultural aviation accidents reported to BASI in the period 1985 to 1992 indicates:

• there were no significant reductions in the number or rate of accidents
• there were higher accident and fatal accident rates than for other GA operations
• the majority of accidents occurred in the agricultural work phase of flight, although the taxi and take-off phase accounted for a significant percentage of accidents
• factors related to pilot perception and operational decision were most frequent
• accident prevention programs should address:
  • failure to see and avoid objects or obstacles;
  • inadequacy of pre-flight preparation and planning; and
  • distraction from operation of aircraft.

The Director of BASI reiterated the points highlighted in this review when addressing the 1994 annual conference of the Aerial Agricultural Association.