Occurrence types

The most common occurrence type for business aviation over 10 years were:

  • birdstrike: 35 occurrences (15%)
  • diversion/return: 22 occurrences (9.4%)
  • landing gear/indication: 19 occurrences (8.1%).
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Figure 3: the top 20 occurrence types
Figure 3: the top 20 occurrence types

Occurrence types – event risk classification

Studying ATSB’s Event Risk Classification (ERC) for occurrences in the sector helps to gain further clarity on risk. ERC analysis shows higher safety risk from occurrences related to airspace conflicts such as aircraft separation.

Based on ERC classification, the top 3 occurrence taxonomies are:

  1. loss of separation
  2. aircraft separation issues
  3. operational non-compliance.
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Figure 4: the top 25 occurrence taxonomies with ERC for business aviation (2000 to 2024 ATSB)
Figure 4: the top 25 occurrence taxonomies with ERC for business aviation (2000 to 2024 ATSB)

Safety factors

ATSB applies safety factors to certain occurrences to identify conditions or factors that contributed to the occurrence.

Safety factors are an event or condition that increases safety risks. This means it increases the likelihood of an occurrence or the consequences associated with an occurrence.

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Figure 5: the top 10 safety factors for business aviation (combined with ERC)
Figure 5: the top 10 safety factors for business aviation (combined with ERC)
Published date: 12 May 2025
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/safety-management-systems/sector-safety-risk-profiles/business-aviation-sector-safety-risk-profile/occurrence-types
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