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…

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…

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…

An examination of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's aviation occurrence database indicates that distraction has contributed to a number of aviation safety accidents and incidents. The purpose of this study was to (i) examine the characteristics of pilot distraction (ii) explore the range of distraction sources that have contributed to aviation safety occurrences, and (iii) develop a taxonomy of pilot distraction. In total, 325 occurrences were identified using the database. The results showed that the majority of occurrences were incidents rather than accidents or serious incidents.…

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The primary objective of any investigation into an air safety occurrence is the prevention of an accident Sometimes an investigation will uncover a safety deficiency in the aviation system and recommendations are made to address the deficiency. At other times the details and circumstance of an accident or incident don't immediately uncover a safety deficiency or even provide immediate answers. However, the occurrence data is collected and stored in the ATSB database and may at some time in the future form part of a wider analysis of safety issues. A safety deficiency is defined in the…