Human Factors in Fatal Aircraft Accidents

The details of 75 fatal aeroplane accidents were extracted from the BASI database. The largest proportion (36%) of the accidents occurred on private/business flights. The three most frequent first occurrences in accidents were loss of control; collision with terrain (control unknown); and wirestrike. Most accidents had more than one contributing factor. Over 70% of the accidents involved pilot factors. The most common pilot factors related to poor judgement and decision making.

In recent years, BASI has recognised that while pilot factors are of great importance, accidents frequently have their origins in systemic or organisational failings.