A Systemic Analysis of Helicopter Instructional Accidents in the United States from 2010 to 2022

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

A high number of accidents during helicopter training in the United States (U.S.) highlights the need for research to investigate their causal and contributing factors. In this retrospective study, researchers analyzed helicopter instructional accidents reported in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Case Analysis and Reporting Online (CAROL) database. The Systems Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) and Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) methodologies were used to identify hazards and unsafe control actions in helicopter training, using autorotation maneuvers as a case study. Helicopter instructional flights in the U.S. accounted for 299 accidents between 2010 and 2022, with an average accident rate of 4.7 per 100,000 flight hours. Findings indicate that loss of control in flight (27.4%) and hard landings (19.4%) were the most prevalent accident-defining events. Autorotation-related accidents contributed to 27.1% of total cases. This study mapped control structures, identified unsafe control actions, and proposed systemic improvements to enhance safety through regulatory, training, and technological interventions. Recommendations include integrating Evidence-Based training (EBT), Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs), and real-time feedback systems to reduce risks associated with autorotation training. Future research should expand the STAMP-STPA scope to additional operational factors, such as organizational culture and environmental conditions, to improve helicopter training safety.

Authors

• Sanchez Cortes, Gustavo, PhD Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Ziakkas, Dimitrios, PhD, C.ErgHF, FRAeS Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Johnson, Mary E, PhD Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Helicopter Safety
• Helicopter Training
• STAMP
• STPA
• Autorotation
• Business
• Education