Cannabis is a commonly used recreational drug, which has widespread effects within the body. Smoking is the most common form of administration. The adverse effects of cannabis on behaviour, cognitive function and psychomotor performance are dose-dependent and related to task difficulty. Complex tasks such as driving or flying are particularly sensitive to the performance impairing effects of cannabis. Chronic cannabis use is associated with a number of adverse health effects, and there is evidence suggesting the development of tolerance to chronic use as well as a well-defined withdrawal…

The vast majority of Australian civil fatal aircraft accidents occur in general aviation (GA) operations. This study examined Australian civil GA fatal accidents for the period 1991 to 2000, and covers fatal accident numbers and rates by aircraft type and operational grouping, timing of accidents, injury levels, pilot demographics and fatal accident types. Between 1991 and 2000 inclusive, there were 215 fatal accidents and 413 associated fatalities. Over the ten-year period there were 1.2 GA fatal accidents per 100,000 hours flown. The annual fatal accident rate decreased from 1.6 fatal…

Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) are binocular devices that enhance unaided night vision for pilots. Typically, NVGs are mounted on a pilot's helmet. This position enables pilots to look through the goggles outside the cockpit or under the goggles at flight instruments. By enabling the pilot to see in the dark, NVGs have the potential to improve the safety of visual flight at night. In most conditions, night vision goggles provide pilots with a significant increase in the quality of visual information compared with unaided night vision. They allow the pilot to see the horizon, objects, terrain and…

The twin-engine power loss accidents were analysed to identify the types of accidents that occurred. Ten of the 11 fatal accidents subsequent to a power loss in twin-engine aircraft were the result of an in-flight loss of control. In contrast, the majority of non-fatal accidents subsequent to a power loss were primarily the result of degraded aircraft performance and resulted in aircraft being forced landed. When a twin-engine aircraft sustains a loss of power, the resulting power output can produce a power condition that is either asymmetric or non-asymmetric. The twin-engine power loss…

The aim of this study was to provide information to the flying community about issues that have the potential to affect safety in the hope that increased knowledge and insight could lead to improved safety. The ATSB distributed the 'Aviation Industry Safety Survey' in November 2003 to 5,000 commercial pilots throughout Australia. Pilots were asked to respond to a series of questions regarding their flying experiences in the 12 months prior to receiving the survey. The survey consisted of two sections: Part A and Part B. Information about Part A has been reported in the ATSB Aviation Safety…

This report presents data concerning Australian aviation activity, the aviation industry, aviation accidents and incidents and highlights broad trends and developments in aviation safety. The data are presented graphically in time series figures. Data on aviation accidents and incidents were collected from the ATSB's aviation database. Data concerning aviation activity, the aviation industry, accidents and specific incident types were collected from three main sources: the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics, part of the Department of Transport and Regional Services, the Civil Aviation…

During 2004 the Neville Committee conducted an Inquiry into Train Illumination. The Committee tabled its report, Train Illumination: An inquiry into some measures proposed to improve train visibility and reduce level crossing accidents, on 24 June 2004. The report can be downloaded from the Neville Committee's website: Train Illumination: An inquiry into some measures proposed to improve train visibility and reduce level crossing accidents can be downloaded from the Neville Committee's website. The Government Response to the report, which was coordinated by the Australian Transport Safety…

Weather-related general aviation accidents remain one of the most significant causes for concern in aviation safety. Previous studies into the factors associated with weather-related general aviation occurrences have typically compared accident and non-accident cases. In contrast, this study does not concentrate on occurrence outcome. Instead, the emphasis is on the different behaviours that pilots exhibit in the face of adverse weather and, by inference, on the decision making processes that underlie those behaviours. The work of this study is based on a set of 491 aviation accident and…

Boeing 747-438, VH-OJU EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An Australian registered Boeing 747-438 aircraft operating a regular passenger transport flight sustained the failure of an engine shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles, USA. The engine was subsequently shut-down and the aircraft returned for an uneventful landing. The failed engine was a Rolls Royce RB211-524G2-T model. Preliminary inspection by the operators maintenance personnel found evidence of extensive internal mechanical damage within the high-pressure compressor section of the engine and as a result, returned the engine to Australia for…

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with a wide spectrum of severity and many potential complications if inadequately treated. Historically, diabetic pilots have been permanently disqualified from flying duties. This policy was based on the increased risk of sudden incapacitation in-flight due to hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular disease in diabetics. In recent decades, a shift in worldwide aeromedical policy has occurred. This has resulted in diabetic pilots in several countries, including the United States and Australia, being granted limited flying certification. These pilots are required to…