UAS Mishaps and Accidents

             According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) hazard is defined as “a condition that could cause or contribute to an aircraft incident or accident” (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2014). Failure to identify and/or mitigate hazards results in risk taking. Some hazards, such as the use of aircraft oils and lubricants, cannot be eliminated. However, actions can be taken to minimize the risk (of skin contamination) by employing sufficient countermeasures (like nitrile glove).

              The same theory of mitigation and minimization holds true for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. One way to mitigate risks during BVLOS operations is to have a hazard, risk, and mitigation contingency plan. Data from previous flights can assist in the understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of specific flight scenarios. Further, surveying the environment can also help in building a plan. The plan should describe operations and procedures taken to prevent mishaps and taken in case of emergencies.

            Mishaps and emergencies are inevitable occurrences within the aviation community. However, for the UAS community technology appears to be as great of a contributor to mishaps and accidents as human factors. Wild et al. (2016) presented a significant finding that contrary to popular belief, human factors was not the key contributor to UAS mishaps and accident rates (figure 1). It was noted that operational damage and loss-of-control in flight events were more common, which significantly related to equipment problems (EP) and not human factors. However, when analyzing deeper into equipment problems human factors could possibly be discovered in design or manufacturing.

Figure 1.

Breakdown of data collected from 152 accident and incident cases that occurred between 2005 and 2014.

Note. Image retrieved from Wild et al., (2016).

Thank You

References

International Civil Aviation Organization. (2014). Hazard; Definitions and usage notes. From https://www.icao.int/SAM/Documents/2017-SSP-BOL/CICTT%20Hazard%20Taxonomy.pdf

Wild, G., Murray, J., & Baxter, G. (2016). Exploring civil drone accidents and incidents to help prevent potential air disasters. Edith Cowan University Publications Post 2013. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=3421&context=ecuworkspost2013