Survey of Australian Agricultural Aviation Accidents & Incidents 1985-1992

Summary

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.