Pilot error in air carrier accidents: does age matter?
Authors
Li-G; Grabowski-JG; Baker-SP; Rebok-GW
Source
Aviat Space Environ Med 2006 Jul; 77(7):737-741
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The relationship between pilot age and safety performance has been the subject of research and controversy since the "Age 60 Rule" became effective in 1960. This study aimed to examine age-related differences in the prevalence and patterns of pilot error in air carrier accidents. METHODS: Investigation reports from the National Transportation Safety Board for accidents involving Part 121 operations in the United States between 1983 and 2002 were reviewed to identify pilot error and other contributing factors. Accident circumstances and the presence and type of pilot error were analyzed in relation to pilot age using Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of the 558 air carrier accidents studied, 25% resulted from turbulence, 21% from mechanical failure, 16% from taxiing events, 13% from loss of control at landing or takeoff, and 25% from other causes. Accidents involving older pilots were more likely to be caused by turbulence, whereas accidents involving younger pilots were more likely to be taxiing events. Pilot error was a contributing factor in 34%, 38%, 35%, and 34% of the accidents involving pilots ages 25-34 yr, 35-44 yr, 45-54 yr, and 55-59 yr, respectively (p = 0.87). The patterns of pilot error were similar across age groups. Overall, 26% of the pilot errors identified were inattentiveness, 22% flawed decisions, 22% mishandled aircraft kinetics, and 11% poor crew interactions. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and patterns of pilot error in air carrier accidents do not seem to change with pilot age. The lack of association between pilot age and error may be due to the "safe worker effect" resulting from the rigorous selection processes and certification standards for professional pilots.
Keywords
Age-factors; Age-groups; Accident-rates; Accidents; Pilots; Humans; Injuries; Men; Women; Safety-measures;
Author Keywords: Aging; Aviation; Epidemiology; Human factors; Safety
Contact
Guohua Li, M.D., Dr.PH., Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument St., Ste. 6-100, Baltimore, MD 21205
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
ghli@jhmi.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-OH-008428
Source Name
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
Performing Organization
Johns Hopkins University
