The following accident analysis information was presented in the June 2011 Issue of Sport Aviation magazine …
10-Years of Accidents and Causal Factors
THE GENERAL AVIATION JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE (GAJSC) and Safety Analysis Team (SAT) continues to focus on data-driven risks and solutions. To begin that process, the fatal GA accident range of 2001—2010 was selected for analysis, resulting in 2,472 total events. Accidents were categorized using the common codes such as loss of control—in-flight (LOC—I), controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), system/component failure—powerplant (SCF—PP), etc. Additionally, the type of aircraft was also categorized, using homebuilt, turbine, and reciprocating non-homebuilt, resulting in the chart seen here.
Loss of control (LOC) was identified far and away as the most prevalent type of fatal GA accident with 1,190 fatal accidents followed by controlled flight into terrain, with 432. A risk reduction working group has been formed that will study LOC accidents, beginning with those occurring during the approach and landing phase of flight, determine contributing factors, and develop intervention strategies. EAA staff is actively participating in the GAJSC, SAT, and a newly established working group in our continuing efforts to reduce the fatal accident rate.
