CASA media release - Wednesday 15 August 2007
Aircraft handling mistakes cause accidents
Three quarters of aviation accidents in Australia result from problems with the operation or handling of an aircraft.
In contrast only one quarter of accidents can be attributed to mechanical failures.
These findings are highlighted in the cover story of the latest edition of CASA’s flagship publication Flight Safety Australia magazine.
The data is extracted from a new report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau which looks at accidents over a five year period.
The report examined 749 accidents between 2001 and 2005, finding collisions were the most common operational accident.
“Of the 197 collision accidents, 30 involved fatalities during the 2001-05 period,” the Flight Safety Australia story says.
“The most common occurrence in this group was collision with terrain, accounting for 103 accidents or just over half of all occurrences within this category.
“Wire strike accidents were also common, with 33 recorded over the period.”
Thirty collisions happened while aircraft were on the ground.
Loss of control of aircraft usually happens during the approach and landing phases of flight and weather-related factors were identified in 22 of these accidents, with strong wind a common problem. Overall, weather was a factor in just under one-fifth of all accidents.
Wheels-up landings are among the most common accident types, with 34 recorded, none resulting in injury.
“Wheels-up landings are typically thought of as preventable accidents, but their incidence persists. In many cases, the pilot reported a distraction that interrupted check-list procedures during the approach phase.”
CASA’s acting CEO Shane Carmody says the Australian Transport Safety Bureau report is a step forward in bringing improved rigour to the analysis of accident trends.
“The report is an important development in improving awareness of safety issues across the industry and it will help guide CASA’s work to improve safety in the future,” Mr Carmody says.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0746