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Introduction
Flight training is a dream for many aspiring pilots, but safety concerns often loom large. However, a recent study conducted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute and Liberty University School of Aeronautics suggests that flight training is actually becoming safer over time.
The Study
The study analyzed flight training risks and innovations from 2000 to 2019, focusing on accidents and their causes. It found that loss of aircraft control accounted for 54 percent of fatal accidents during instructional flights. Most of these accidents were attributed to stall/spin events, often occurring during a go-around in the pattern when the aircraft is at low altitude, high power, and high angle of attack. Overshooting the base-to-final turn was also identified as a risky situation for pilots.
In both cases, a stall/spin event is often unrecoverable due to the low altitude. Robert Geske, the AOPA Air Safety Institute manager of aviation safety analysis, emphasized the need to raise awareness about stall/spin risks during takeoff, climbout, and go-around phases of flight.
Despite these risks, the study highlighted that flight training has become safer in recent years. Andrew Walton, the Liberty University School of Aerospace director of safety, attributed this improvement to sustained efforts by regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and the flight training community. The fatal accident rate has decreased by approximately 50 percent from the start of the century, indicating progress in mitigating the risk of loss of control in flight. However, there is still work to be done in this area.
Other Accident Causal Factors
In addition to loss of control, the study identified other major factors contributing to fatal instructional accidents. Midair collisions ranked as the second-leading cause, with the majority occurring outside the airport environment and at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. However, the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology in the training fleet has led to a decrease in midair collisions.
Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) was listed as the third-leading cause of fatal instructional accidents, with a slight decrease in overall numbers. Reduced visibility played a significant role in most CFIT accidents, especially during maneuvering, enroute, and approach phases of flight. The study also revealed that the majority of CFIT accidents occurred at night under visual meteorological conditions.
Fuel mismanagement remained a causal factor in aviation accidents, although the study noted a decrease in instances of fuel exhaustion due to low-fuel alerting systems in advanced aircraft. However, engine failure due to fuel starvation still occurred, often resulting from the pilot’s failure to switch fuel tanks or position the fuel selector correctly.
Component failure of the engine ranked fifth on the list, with various maintenance-related issues leading to these failures. Improper maintenance, including a fuel filter installed backward and a missing cotter pin in a carburetor, were among the causes identified. Sudden engine failures were also reported, attributed to factors such as exhaust valve failure and corroded mixture cable.
Changes in Training
The study also examined changes in flight training that may have contributed to the reduction in accidents. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updated the airman certification standards to emphasize risk management and aeronautical decision-making skills. These updates aimed to improve pilot training and decision-making abilities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The findings of this study will be used to develop strategies to further mitigate risks and prevent accidents in the future. Flight training is an evolving field, and ongoing efforts to improve safety will continue to shape the industry.
The complete report can be viewed here.
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