MEASURES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY IN ARMY AVIATION

The emphasis of this study is directed toward methodology which will be useful in accident prevention research. The problem is approached through introduction of task element analysis to accident analysis and to airplane design; and through study of the broad civil aviation lightplane accident experience as a reference. The information usually gathered from pilot, crew, and observers at the time of an accident is insufficient to permit a complete study of the accident causes through task element analysis. More complete information regarding pilot and crew performance at the time of an accident must be obtained to enable task element analysis of the accident. Among the various landing procedures commonly used to avoid and recover from ground loops, the crab approach and the use of brakes were found to be most hazardous. The wing- low approach and the application of power to maintain directional control during roll-out were found to be more reliable procedures. The study of civil aviation accidents reveals that 50% of all accidents involve pilots having less than 50 hours time in type. Current experience in type is the single most important factor in accident prevention. Data from civil aviation accidents indicates that pilots with less than 50 hours time in type account for approximately 70% of ground-loop accidents on dry runways.