Review of U.S. Army Aviation Accident Reports: Prevalence of Environmental Stressors and Medical Conditions

Abstract : Human error and factors contributing to diminished human performance in the cockpit impact the safety of aircrew and mission success. A number medical factors and environmental stressors are known to impact aircrew performance, but what is unknown is the extent to which these factors are cited in accident reports. The objective was to review aviation accident reports and determine the frequency with which environmental and health factors are cited/included in these documents. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center's Risk Management Information System (de-identified and available using their online system) was the source of this information. The results support degraded visual environments as a top priority for aviation safety.