Epidemiology and Prevention of Helicopter External Load Accidents

From 1980 through 1995, there were 230 helicopter external load accidents resulting in 57 fatalities and 74 serious nonfatal injuries in the United States investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Helicopter external load operations, such as helicopter logging, place unique de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of safety research 1998, Vol.29 (2), p.107-121
Main Authors: Manwaring, Jan C., Conway, George A., Garrett, Larry C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aircraft accidents & safety
Helicopter external load operations, helicopter fatalities, helicopter nonfatal injuries
Helicopters
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Summary:From 1980 through 1995, there were 230 helicopter external load accidents resulting in 57 fatalities and 74 serious nonfatal injuries in the United States investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Helicopter external load operations, such as helicopter logging, place unique demands on the aircraft helicopters and the pilots who fly them. A descriptive analysis of NTSB “accident briefs” indicates that mechanical failure, pilot error, and maintenance errors were cited as the most common probable causes of the accidents. Recent experience in Alaska has shown that by adhering to existing regulations and manufacturer recommendations, and by implementing improved training and frequent maintenance, helicopter external load operations are safer with fewer accidents, crashes, and injuries. Published by the National Safety Council and Elsevier Science Ltd
ISSN:0022-4375
1879-1247
DOI:10.1016/S0022-4375(98)00007-3