Organizational Factors in Commercial Aviation Accidents

Terry L. von Thaden; Douglas A. Wiegmann; Scott Shappell

doi:10.1207/s15327108ijap1603_1

Organizational Factors in Commercial Aviation Accidents

Terry L. von Thaden, Douglas A. Wiegmann, Scott Shappell

Clemson University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

In recent years, several major transportation accidents have brought significant attention to the role organizational factors play in motivating operator safety within high-risk systems, yet very little has been studied regarding the direct contribution organizational factors play in accidents. This study elucidates the types of organizational factors associated with aviation accidents attributed principally to pilot error, through case-based analyses of commercial accidents from 1990 to 2000. Results indicate inadequate procedures and directives rank highest among organizational problems. Findings suggest interventions aimed at organizational contributions may potentially ameliorate a myriad of systemic problems, rather than assigning blame to the pilot at the operational level.

Original language	American English
Journal	The International Journal of Aviation Psychology
Volume	16
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327108ijap1603_1
State	Published - 2006
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

aviation accidents
commercial aviation accidents
pilot error
pilot training
organizational safety programs

Disciplines

Aviation Safety and Security
Other Psychology

Access to Document

10.1207/s15327108ijap1603_1License: Unspecified

Cite this

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title = "Organizational Factors in Commercial Aviation Accidents",

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AB - In recent years, several major transportation accidents have brought significant attention to the role organizational factors play in motivating operator safety within high-risk systems, yet very little has been studied regarding the direct contribution organizational factors play in accidents. This study elucidates the types of organizational factors associated with aviation accidents attributed principally to pilot error, through case-based analyses of commercial accidents from 1990 to 2000. Results indicate inadequate procedures and directives rank highest among organizational problems. Findings suggest interventions aimed at organizational contributions may potentially ameliorate a myriad of systemic problems, rather than assigning blame to the pilot at the operational level.

KW - aviation accidents

KW - commercial aviation accidents

KW - pilot error

KW - pilot training

KW - organizational safety programs

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JO - The International Journal of Aviation Psychology

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