Flight Safety Foundation Accident Prevention 1990

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December 1990

Aircraft Accidents Aren’t — Part One 6 pages. [PDF 35K]

A risk denial syndrome, “it won’t matter,” allows the buildup of seemingly trivial events that collectively can create sufficient elements of risk to cause accidents. In this first of a two-part series, the author describes the syndrome and illustrates it with an example accident. Part two will analyze the chain of preventable events and suggest a curative approach.

November 1990

Cockpit Resource Management — The Only Way to Go 6 pages. [PDF 36K]

The corporate cockpit is benefiting from safety and efficiency improvements that result from applying an open-minded approach to flight crew management.

October 1990

Disaster Preparation for Corporate Operators 4 pages. [PDF 43K]

The obligation of planning to cope with the unthinkable is not limited to those who fly large aircraft; operators of smaller equipment can benefit from a realistic exercise that leaves them better prepared to handle the aftermath of an accident.

September 1990

Facing the Runway Overrun Dilemma 6 pages. [PDF 37K]

If speeds and procedures are correct, an aircraft should be able to stop on the runway after a takeoff is abandoned. So what’s the problem.

August 1990

The Lowest Form of Cloud 4 pages. [PDF 26K]

Fog can obliterate visibility at critical times during low-altitude flight and landings.

July 1990

Improved Microburst Warnings Aim for Safer Terminal Operations 4 pages. [PDF 75K]

New technology and techniques are being tested in continuing efforts to reduce takeoff and landing accidents caused by localized downdrafts.

June 1990

My Own Mouth Shall Condemn Me 6 pages. [PDF 33K]

Proper radio procedure is a primary deterrent to breakdown of pilot-controller communication.

May 1990

When is a Hard Landing Hard? 4 pages. [PDF 65K]

It can be a difficult decision to report a hard landing when doubt exists, but the ensuing inspection may uncover damage that could endanger a later flight.

April 1990

U.S. National Transportation Safety Board Safety Recommendation 12 pages. [PDF 145K]

We call attention to another tragic accident that is fraught with human factors problems, especially those related to ground/air communications and cross-language difficulties. Flight Safety Foundation is reprinting in this bulletin, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Safety Recommendation, released 21 February, 1990, that concerns Avianca’s Boeing 707 accident in New York on January 25, 1990.

March 1990

Visual Illusions Can Spoil Your Whole Day 4 pages. [PDF 43K]

No matter the size or speed of the aircraft, pilots who find themselves in the dark at low altitudes are subject to the misleading effects of spatial disorientation and other visual pitfalls.

February 1990

The Flight and Duty Time Dilemma 4 pages. [PDF 24K]

In the absence of regulated flight and duty time limitations for private aircraft operators, aviation department managers must develop and support guidelines that meet company travel requirements without compromising safe pilot-scheduling practices.

January 1990

Subtle Incapacitation Of Pilots: How To Tell If Your Captain Has Died 4 pages. [PDF 23K]

Subtle incapacitation of pilots caused by obscure factors that escape he normal pilot medical screening and proficiency qualification process is a genuine concern in the industry. Although incidents are few, pilots must be trained to deal with such performance breakdowns.