Research papers

Risk Factors Associated With Weather-Related General Aviation Accidents

This safety study examines the role of weather in general aviation accidents over the period 2003–2022. The study identifies persistent risk factors — VFR-into-IMC flight, low-visibility takeoffs and landings, and icing …

Risk Factors Associated With Weather-Related General Aviation Accidents (2003–2017)

Examines the leading causes of weather-related general aviation accidents over a 15-year period. Identifies continued-VFR-into-IMC, in-flight icing, and turbulence/wind shear as the dominant risk drivers and recommends s…

Bell 525 Relentless In-Flight Breakup

Investigation report and safety study on the 6 July 2016 in-flight breakup of a Bell 525 Relentless helicopter prototype during a developmental flight test near Italy, Texas.

Marijuana and Other Drug Use by Aviators

This study examined the prevalence of marijuana and other drug use by U.S. civil aviation pilots involved in fatal accidents between 1990 and 2012.

Crashes Involving Single-Engine General Aviation Airplanes

Examines the safety record of single-engine general aviation airplanes from 1982 through 2013 in the United States. Identifies persistent failure modes (loss-of-control in flight, controlled flight into terrain) and offe…

Introduction of Glass Cockpit Avionics into Light Aircraft

Safety study examining the effect of integrated glass cockpit displays on accident rates and pilot performance in light general aviation aircraft.

The Safety of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Operations

Special investigation report on the safety record of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations. Examines accident trends, contributing factors, and operational practices; recommends risk-management standard…

Use of Personal Portable Electronic Devices by Flightcrew Members

Examines the use of personal portable electronic devices (PEDs) by flightcrew during operations and the distractions or sterile-cockpit violations they create.

Introduction of Glass Cockpit Avionics into Light Aircraft

Special report examining the introduction of glass cockpit avionics into the light aircraft fleet. Compares accident-rate trends pre- and post-glass-cockpit adoption and recommends training-curriculum updates to address …

Pilot Professionalism

Safety recommendation report focused on the role of professionalism in aviation safety, particularly in air carrier operations. Addresses sterile cockpit compliance, crew complacency, and operational discipline.

Aviation Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Parachute Jump Operations

Examines the safety record of parachute jump operations conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Identifies common accident causes including loss of control, in-flight loss of engine power, and recomm…

Risk Factors Associated With Weather-Related General Aviation Accidents

Earlier edition of the recurring weather-GA-accidents study. Defines the baseline VFR-into-IMC accident rate and identifies pilot proficiency, weather information availability, and decision-making as core risk drivers.