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…

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…

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…

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…

Mountain wave and associated turbulence In Australia, mountain waves are commonly experienced over and to the lee of mountain ranges in the south-east of the continent. They often appear in the strong westerly wind flows on the east coast in late winter and early spring. Mountain waves are a different phenomena to the mechanical turbulence found in the lee of mountain ranges, and can exist as a smooth undulating airflow or may contain clear air turbulence in the form of breaking waves and 'rotors'. Mountain waves are defined as 'severe' when the associated downdrafts exceed 600 ft/min and/or…

The determination of blood ethanol concentration in a deceased pilot is an important part of the accident investigation. The finding of an elevated blood alcohol level in such a case may have significant implications, both medico-legal and social. It is therefore important to ensure that the finding of an elevated blood alcohol concentration is valid. It is known that micro-organisms involved in the process of putrefaction after death can produce alcohol, usually a mixture of ethanol and other volatile substances. This process occurs when a body is not refrigerated soon after death and is…

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…