FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-81/10

Title and Subtitle: Improving the crashworthiness of general aviation aircraft by crash injury investigations

Report Date: May 1981

Authors: Kirkham WR

Abstract: An accident investigative research program has correlated injuries to aircraft occupants with the accident severity and structural changes in the crash. Findings brought to the attention of aircraft manufacturers have led to specific aircraft being made more crashworthy. Following the finding of a failure in a shoulder harness attachment the manufacturer strengthened the attachment brace. The way a shoulder harness was joined to a lapbelt was modified as a follow up to failure of the attachment in an accident. Noted fractures of lapbelt and shoulder harness cable tie downs led to the use of stronger cables and modification of the installation. Other accident findings resulted in a shoulder strap guide being placed on an inertia reel and a side- mounted seat being modified.

Key Words: Crashworthiness, Crash injury, Restraint systems, Injury correlations

No. of Pages: 13