Geographic variations in crash risk of general aviation and air taxis.
BACKGROUND
In the past decade, numerous studies have been published regarding the relationship of crash risk and mortality with respect to geographic area.


METHODS
We analyzed data (United States only) regarding general aviation and air taxi crashes from 1992-94 from the National Transportation Safety Board. Data regarding 1993 flight hours and standard error were obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pooled to provide a reliable estimate of crash risk for 1992-94. Calculations were determined for each state and FAA region.


RESULTS
During the 3-yr period, the calculated United States crash rate is 8.9 crashes per 100,000 flight hours. The Alaskan and Northwest Mountain regions had the highest crash rates and fatal crash rates.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to report on geographical differences in rates determined as crashes per 100,000 pilot hours. It shows that even when the amount of flying is controlled for, crash rates and fatal crash rates are highest in mountainous regions. Our results indicate that aviation safety in mountainous regions deserves more attention.
Kearney
P J
PJ
USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5221, USA. PJKEARNEY@pol.net
Li
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D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005843:Geography; D014481:United States