Survey of Pilots on Their Inflight Loss of Control Experiences

What is it about?

This paper investigates the role of human factors in in-flight loss of control, the deadliest cause of general aviation accidents. We surveyed pilots about their loss of control experiences to highlight previously unexplored pilot factors and other underlying issues that contribute to loss of control. The findings from this study can help improve pilot training methods and operating procedures, ultimately preventing loss of control accidents in the future.

Featured Image

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our study investigates how human factors play a role in inflight loss of control, the leading cause of fatal General Aviation accidents. Unlike past research that relies on accident reports, we gathered pilots' perspectives on their loss of control experiences. We found specific pilot conditions and actions that contribute to these incidents. The findings also revealed that many pilots feel unprepared to recover from loss of control. With no other published survey studies specifically aiming at General Aviation loss of control, our study may help improve training methods and operating procedures for GA pilots to prevent loss of control in the future.

Perspectives

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Analyzing General Aviation accidents is challenging, especially since half of loss of control accidents are fatal, making it difficult to gather insights from pilots' experiences. Designing and conducting this survey study was a truly rewarding experience as it allowed us to explore this critical aviation safety issue, from a perspective often overlooked, the pilots themselves. The findings from this research are invaluable, as pilots felt comfortable sharing their not-so-safe experiences through our survey platform, all with the shared goal of making aviation safer. The aim is to spark meaningful discussions on improving pilot training and preparedness, ultimately making flying safer. I hope this work inspires future studies that prioritize pilot experiences and their their insights.

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