FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-66/27

Title and Subtitle: Human factors in general aviation accidents.

Report Date: July 1966

Authors: Dille JR, Morris EW.

Abstract: During the twelve months ending October 31, 1965, there were 122 fatal general aviation accidents in the Western Region in which the Regional Flight Surgeon's office was notified and the wreckage was located within one week. Autopsies were obtained in 86 pilots and blood alcohol determinations were obtained on 83 of these. No accidents were found to be definitely due to medical conditions but a psychiatric problem is the probable cause of one. In addition, 25 wore corrective lenses and 20 had other recorded physical defects.

Drugs were found on three but were not found to be a causal factor; possibly significant barbiturate levels were found in two accidents. Blood ethyl alcohol levels > 30 mg % were found in 17 (20.5%); five had levels greater than 250 mg %. The relationships of experience, occupation, local reputation and time of day to alcohol involvement are discussed. Carbon monoxide, agricultural chemicals, and fatigue are among other causes found for fatal accidents.

The role of medical conditions, alcohol and posticides are discussed for the few non-fatal accidents that were medically investigated. The development of human factors accident investigation is briefly discussed. Increased aviation safety is possible with improved community and medical actions and increased medical participation in Unclassified Report.

Key Words: aviation accidents, human factors engineering, aviation safety, aviation medicine.

No. of Pages: 11