Human factors analysis of Fiscal Year 90 to 97 rotary wing and TACAIR flight mishaps

Abstract

Human error is present in approximately 60 to 80 percent of all Naval Aviation (NA) flight mishaps (FMs). This indicates a need to identify the patterns and relationships of human error associated with NA FMs in order to develop tailored intervention strategies. This study uses the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), a human error oriented accident Investigation and analysis process, to conduct post-hoc analysis of 77 rotary wing and 141 Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR) Class A and B human error FMs from Fiscal Year 90 to 97. This study indicates that Skill-Based Error, Decision Error, Adverse Mental State (AMS) and Crew Resource Management (CRM) are the predominant human error types associated with NA FMs. A nonparametric bootstrap simulation is performed for singular and combinations of human error types to develop the most effective intervention strategies. For the rotary wing community, the CRM human error type represents the best target for selected intervention strategies and potential cost savings. The AMS human error type provides the best target for selected intervention strategies and potential cost savings for the TACAIR community. The use of flight simulators is viewed as the most effective intervention strategy for both predominant human error types identified.