Human Error and Commercial Aviation Accidents: A Comprehensive, Fine-Grained Analysis Using HFACS

Scott Shappell, Cristy Detwiler, Kali Holcomb, Carla Hackworth, Albert Boquet, Douglas Wiegmann

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (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 general trends in the human factors associated with military and general aviation accidents. The aim of this study was to extend previous examinations of aviation accidents to include specific aircrew, environmental, supervisory, and organizational factors associated with 14 CFR Part 121 (Air Carrier) and 14 CFR Part 135 (Commuter) accidents using HFACS. The majority of causal factors were attributed to the aircrew and the environment, with decidedly fewer associated with supervisory and organizational causes. Comparisons were made between HFACS categories and traditional situational variables such as weather, lighting, and geographic region. Recommendations were made based on the HFACS findings presented.

Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Jul 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • human error
  • commercial aviation accidents
  • HFACS
  • human factors

Disciplines

  • Aviation Safety and Security
  • Human Factors Psychology

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