Human error and commercial aviation accidents: an analysis using the human factors analysis and classification system.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to extend previous examinations of aviation accidents to include specific aircrew, environmental, supervisory, and organizational factors associated with two types of commercial aviation (air carrier and commuter/ on-demand) accidents using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS).


BACKGROUND
HFACS is a theoretically based tool for investigating and analyzing human error associated with accidents and incidents. Previous research has shown that HFACS can be reliably used to identify human factors trends associated with military and general aviation accidents.


METHODS
Using data obtained from both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, 6 pilot-raters classified aircrew, supervisory, organizational, and environmental causal factors associated with 1020 commercial aviation accidents that occurred over a 13-year period.


RESULTS
The majority of accident causal factors were attributed to aircrew and the environment, with decidedly fewer associated with supervisory and organizational causes. Comparisons were made between HFACS causal categories and traditional situational variables such as visual conditions, injury severity, and regional differences.


CONCLUSIONS
These data will provide support for the continuation, modification, and/or development of interventions aimed at commercial aviation safety.


CONCLUSIONS
HFACS provides a tool for assessing human factors associated with accidents and incidents.
Shappell
Scott
S
Clemson University, Department of Industrial Engineering, 121 Freeman Hall, Box 340920, Clemson, SC 29634-0920, USA. hfeng@clemson.edu
Detwiler
Cristy
C
Holcomb
Kali
K
Hackworth
Carla
C
Boquet
Albert
A
Wiegmann
Douglas A
DA
D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001359:Aviation / Q000592:standards*; D015984:Causality; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010468:Perceptual Disorders; D017149:Private Sector; D011786:Quality Control; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012449:Safety; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology