Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports
FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/2
Title and Subtitle: The psycho-social reconstruction inventory: A postdictal instrument in aircraft accident investigation
Report Date: January 1972
Authors: Yanowitch RE, Mohler SR, Nichols EA
Abstract: A new approach to the investigation of aviation accidents has recently been initiated, utilizing a follow-on to the psychological autopsy. This approach, the psychosocial reconstruction inventory, enables the development of a dynamic, retrospective portrait of the pilot-in-command subsequent to an accident.
Twelve fatal general aviation accidents were studied in this way in 1971. When routine accident investigation data are supplemented by a psychocial or 'lifestyle' reconstruction, a much deeper understanding of the cause of the accident often emerges. In addition to the traditional detailed explanation of what happened, it is often possible to determine why the pilot-in-command behaved in a fashion to produce the accident. By increasing pilot insight into the role of emotions and situational stress in accident causation, more effective accident prevention programs should result.
Key Words: Suicide, Accident Prevention, Aircraft Accident, Psychological Autopsy, Accident Predisposition
No. of Pages: 5
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/2
Title and Subtitle: The psycho-social reconstruction inventory: A postdictal instrument in aircraft accident investigation
Report Date: January 1972
Authors: Yanowitch RE, Mohler SR, Nichols EA
Abstract: A new approach to the investigation of aviation accidents has recently been initiated, utilizing a follow-on to the psychological autopsy. This approach, the psychosocial reconstruction inventory, enables the development of a dynamic, retrospective portrait of the pilot-in-command subsequent to an accident.
Twelve fatal general aviation accidents were studied in this way in 1971. When routine accident investigation data are supplemented by a psychocial or 'lifestyle' reconstruction, a much deeper understanding of the cause of the accident often emerges. In addition to the traditional detailed explanation of what happened, it is often possible to determine why the pilot-in-command behaved in a fashion to produce the accident. By increasing pilot insight into the role of emotions and situational stress in accident causation, more effective accident prevention programs should result.
Key Words: Suicide, Accident Prevention, Aircraft Accident, Psychological Autopsy, Accident Predisposition
No. of Pages: 5
Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012