Occupational aviation deaths in Alaska, 1990-1995.
OBJECTIVE
In Alaska, aviation was the leading cause of work-related death in 1995 and the second leading cause for the period 1990-95. A descriptive study of aviation crashes was completed to characterize occupational aviation crashes and fatalities in Alaska.


METHODS
Aviation-related incidents were abstracted from the Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System and National Transportation Safety Board preliminary reports.


RESULTS
Records for a total of 1065 aviation crashes were abstracted. There were 285 aviation-related fatalities (8.5/100,000/yr) for all Alaskans; 135 (47%) of the fatalities (7.3/100,000/yr for Alaskan workers) were occupationally related. Helicopters accounted for 55 (17%) of the total occupational aviation crashes and 14 (10%) of the fatalities. The most common phase of flight cited in all crashes was takeoff (59 [18%]) and landing (136 [41%]); in contrast, only 9 (13%) of the fatal crashes occurred during takeoff and landing combined. In fatal crashes, the cruise phase (27 [38%]), followed by maneuvering (16 [23%]), were the most frequent phases of flight cited. Thirty-one percent (n = 22) of aircraft involved in fatal occupational incidents were not completely destroyed, allowing for potential survivors. Shoulder harnesses and helmet use, improved cockpit design, and energy-absorbing seats could reduce aviation-related injury and death.
Garrett
L C
LC
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
Conway
G A
GA
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000401:mortality* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D001359:Aviation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*