Human Factors in Fatal Aircraft Accidents

The details of 75 fatal aeroplane accidents were extracted from
the BASI database. The largest proportion (36%) of the accidents
occurred on private/business flights. The three most frequent first
occurrences in accidents were loss of control; collision with
terrain (control unknown); and wirestrike. Most accidents had more
than one contributing factor. Over 70% of the accidents involved
pilot factors. The most common pilot factors related to poor
judgement and decision making.

In recent years, BASI has recognised that while pilot factors
are of great importance, accidents frequently have their origins in
systemic or organisational failings.