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.