Causes and Trends in Maintenance-Related Accidents in FAA-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft

摘要: The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question. Microsoft Access database was queried accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses. maintenance-related 4.3 per million flight hours 1989–1993 period remained unchanged recent (2009–2013). Maintenance errors no more likely cause fatal than unrelated deficiency. Inadequate/improper (e.g., undertorquing/non-safetied nuts) represented largest category causal for, or factor in, accidents. powerplant caused, contributed to, accidents, but did not carry disproportionate fraction Noncertified airframe (A&P) technicians (AMTs) performed 13 out 280 involved current concern as safety aging fleet, manufactured prior 1950 higher those recently. conclude that related deficiency, while low, static. Increased emphasis should be placed tasks torquing improper rigging well installation/assembly/reassembly. Whether error decision aid plan, shown reduce at airline facilities, would benefit deserves consideration.