Aerobatic flight operations involve a higher level of risk than standard flight operations. Aerobatics imposes considerable stresses on both the aircraft and the pilot. The purpose of this study was to analyze civilian aerobatic aircraft accidents in Australia, with particular emphasis on the underlying accident causes and survival outcomes. The accident and incident database of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau was searched for all events involving aerobatic flight for the period 19802010. A total of 51 accidents involving aircraft undertaking aerobatic operations were identified, with 71 aircraft occupants. Of the accidents, 27 (52.9) were fatal, resulting in a total of 36 fatalities. There were 24 nonfatal accidents. In terms of injury outcomes, there were 4 serious and 9 minor injuries, and 22 accidents in which no injuries were recorded. Fatal accidents were mainly due to loss of control by the pilot (44.4), in-flight structural failure of the airframe (25.9), and terrain impact (25.9). G-LOC was considered a possible cause in 11.1 of fatal accidents. Nonfatal accidents were mainly due to powerplant failure (41.7) and noncatastrophic airframe damage (25). Accidents involving aerobatic maneuvering have a significantly increased risk of a fatal outcome (odds ratio 26). The results of this study highlight the risks involved in aerobatic flight. Exceeding the operational limits of the maneuver and the design limits of the aircraft are major factors contributing to a fatal aerobatic aircraft accident. Improved awareness of G physiology and better operational decision-making while undertaking aerobatic flight may help prevent further accidents.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.5810.2021 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Hummingbirds rapidly respond to the removal of visible light and control a sequence of rate-commanded escape manoeuvres in milliseconds.
Proc Biol Sci
November 2024
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Hummingbirds routinely execute a variety of stunning aerobatic feats, which continue to challenge current notions of aerial agility and controlled stability in biological systems. Indeed, the control of these amazing manoeuvres is not well understood. Here, we examined how hummingbirds control a sequence of manoeuvres within milliseconds, and tested whether and when they use vision during this rapid process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReduction of the vertical vestibular-ocular reflex in military aircraft pilots exposed to tactical, high-performance flight.
Front Neurol
June 2023
Aeromedical Center (AeMC), Swiss Air Forces, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
Background: Exposure to high-performance flight stresses the vestibular system and may lead to adaptive changes in the vestibular responses of pilots. We investigated the vestibular-ocular reflex of pilots with different histories of flight exposure both with respect to hours of flight and flight conditions (tactical, high-performance vs. non-high-performance) to evaluate if and how adaptative changes are observable.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThere is continued interest in acceleration (G) effects in civil aviation, as G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), impaired consciousness, and visual effects play a role in aerobatic, agricultural, and military aviation accidents. A software model [the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute G-Effects Model (CGEM)] based on physical and physiological variables related to in-flight tissue resupply and using oxygen flow as a proxy for supply availability, was developed to evaluate risk of G-LOC and related phenomena in aeronauts. Aeronauts were modeled using several parameters, including sex, cardiovascular fitness, and other common modifiers such as G-suits, positive pressure breathing gear, anti-G straining, and other muscle tensing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiovascular disease, now complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a leading cause of death and risk for sudden incapacitation for pilots during flight. The capacity for aeromedically significant cardiovascular sequelae with potentially imperceptible clinical symptoms elicits concern both during and following resolution of acute COVID-19 in pilots. We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding COVID-19 cardiovascular implications as applied to the aviation environment to better understand their significance toward flight safety and application toward a focused cardiovascular screening protocol following recovery from infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFQuantifying Risk in Air Sports: Flying Activity and Incident Rates in Paragliding.
Wilderness Environ Med
March 2022
Extreme Environments Laboratory, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Introduction: The volume, nature, and risks of paragliding are poorly quantified. More comprehensive understanding, including incident rates allowing comparison to similar disciplines, will help direct and appraise safety interventions.
Methods: Paraglider pilots were surveyed regarding experience, incidents, recordkeeping, and risk perception.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!