FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-73/5

Title and Subtitle: The aircraft as an instrument of self-destruction

Report Date: March 1973

Authors: Yanowitch RE, Bergin JM, Yanowitch EA

Abstract: Often the relationship between the pilot and his aircraft is such that the aircraft may be thought of as an extension of the pilot himself during the act of flight. If this pilot accumulates stress in his life with which he can no longer adequately cope, he may engage in self-destructive acts, some of these within the context of his flying activities. The competent pilot practices and acquires skills which help him to deal with the stress of demanding flight situations.

However, if this individual exceeds his piloting capabilities, or is already coping with a high stress level to his maximum capacity, the additional stress of a particular flight situation may overload his total coping ability and destruction of self, both psychologically and physically, will occur.

Key Words: Aircraft Accident Investigation, Psychological Autopsy, Stress, Suicide

No. of Pages: 5