Accidents Associated with Aerobatic Maneuvers in U.S. Aviation

Author： de Voogt Alexander J. van Doorn Robert R. A.

Publisher： Aerospace Medical Association

ISSN： 0095-6562

Source： Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Vol.80, Iss.8, 2009-08, pp. : 732-733

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Abstract

de Voogt AJ, van Doorn RRA. Accidents associated with aerobatic maneuvers in U.S. aviation. Aviat Space Environ Med 2009; 80:732–3.Background: Aerobatic flights are the most significant risk factor for fatal injury and make up 50% of U.S. accidents in general aviation involving airport transport pilots. Method: An analysis of the dangers of these maneuvers is presented using 25 yr of U.S. reported accidents. Results: More than 80% of the 494 accidents were fatal. The main cause of accident was not maintaining (proper) altitude while adverse weather was not present as a cause of accident. Nearly half the number of pilots had over 7500 h of flight experience. Homebuilt aircraft appear significantly more likely to be part of a fatal accident, showing more structural, engine, and system failures. Conclusion: Although there is a downward trend in the number of aerobatic-related accidents, the reduction of accidents is much assisted by either regulation or awareness training of pilots using homebuilt aircraft in aerobatic maneuvers.