TY - JOUR
T1 - Accidents in agricultural aviation in the United States : a 28-year investigation
AU - van Doorn, R.R.A.
PY - 2014/1/1
Y1 - 2014/1/1
N2 - A 28-year (1982–2009) retrospective investigation was carried out for 3,102 fixed-wing agricultural aircraft involved in the aerial application (Part 137) of pesticides or fertilizers (crop dusting). In total, 64% of the pilots remained uninjured, while 10% of accidents were fatal. This type of aviation is unique as proportionally more accidents occurred during the maneuvering / aerial application and landing phases, involving low-altitude crashes. Collision with poorly visible obstacles in the landscape was involved in 27% of the crashes. These accidents were more likely to involve fatalities, occurred predominantly during maneuvering at the application site, and were often attributed to human error (inappropriate visual lookout and clearance). Recommendations discussed include markings on objects that may improve low-altitude navigation.
AB - A 28-year (1982–2009) retrospective investigation was carried out for 3,102 fixed-wing agricultural aircraft involved in the aerial application (Part 137) of pesticides or fertilizers (crop dusting). In total, 64% of the pilots remained uninjured, while 10% of accidents were fatal. This type of aviation is unique as proportionally more accidents occurred during the maneuvering / aerial application and landing phases, involving low-altitude crashes. Collision with poorly visible obstacles in the landscape was involved in 27% of the crashes. These accidents were more likely to involve fatalities, occurred predominantly during maneuvering at the application site, and were often attributed to human error (inappropriate visual lookout and clearance). Recommendations discussed include markings on objects that may improve low-altitude navigation.
U2 - 10.1027/2192-0923/a000053
DO - 10.1027/2192-0923/a000053
M3 - Article
SN - 2192-0923
VL - 4
SP - 33
EP - 39
JO - Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors
JF - Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors
IS - 1
ER -