Human Error and Aircraft Accidents

Human error can be described in aviation as the mainspring or the contributing factor for accidents within the industry. It is an inevitable, but expected occurance because no human performs perfectly in all situations. Airline and regulatory agencies are evaluating the three causal factors of hardware, task, and environmental in an attempt to deter and prevent any forseeable disasters.

"Hardware factors include the design of equipment, displays, controls, software, and the interface with humans in the system” (Wells & Rodrigues, 2003, p. 162). Cockpit standardization is one tool used by airlines to allow pilots to have familiarity with the displays, radios, navigation equipment, etc…The most popular form is called “within-fleets” standardization where, for example, all DC-9s or B727s will all have a uniform interior rather than the equipment being in different locations dependent on the carrier who owned it. Warning and alert systems, such as the GPWS or the “insufficient fuel” message, are another feature that gives a pilot the added advantage to be made aware of or prevent a situation.

“Task factors include the nature of the task being performed, the workload (work intensity, multitaking, and/or time contraints), and level of training” (Wells & Rodrigues, 2003, p. 162). With the rise of deregulation of the industry and the invention of the hub spoke system, added pressures and responsibility were placed on pilots. Modernized and more complex aircraft were being built and during this time, the automated cockpit was being evolved to allow pilots to multitask with greater ease. Pilot training has also played an important role in the attempt to reduce human error. The number of flight hours a pilot has, the familiarity with certain aircraft, experience in different terrain (mountains, ocean, desert), etc…all play a role in overall experience.

“Environmental factors include noise, temperature, humidity, partial pressure of oxygen, vibration, and motion/acceleration” (Wells & Rodrigues, 2003, p. 162). The world around us is constantly influencing our bodies, whether we can control it or not. Temperature is important because when it is too hot in a room, concentration can decrease and judgment may not be as crisp. The same occurs with distracting noises, lights, etc…which can cause sensory overload because of excessive stimuli. It is important for these external situations to be minimized and also to be managed by the one subjected to the environment so that optimal performance can be achieved.

Hardware, task, and environmental factors all play a causal role in accidents due to human error. They can be the independent cause or multiple factors can intermingle for the final result. While no human can be expected to perform perfectly at all times, the airline industry is in constant motion to prevent accidents due to human error.

Reference: Wells, Alexander T. & Rodrigues, Clarence C. (2004). Commercial Aviation Safety. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.