Chain of events (aviation)

This article is about chain of events in aviation. For other uses, see Chain of events.

In aviation, a chain of events, often called the error chain, is a term referring to the concept that many contributing factors typically lead to an accident, rather than one single event.^[1] These contributing actions typically stem from human factor-related mistakes and pilot error, rather than mechanical failure.^[1][2] A study conducted by Boeing found that 55% of airline accidents between 1959 and 2005 were caused by such human related factors, while only 17% of accidents were caused by mechanical issues with the aircraft.^[3]

The Tenerife Disaster, the worst accident in aviation history, is a prime example of an accident in which a chain of events and errors can be identified leading up to the crash.^[4] Pilot error, communications problems, fog, and airfield congestion (due to a bomb threat at another airport) all contributed to this catastrophe.^[4]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Willits, Pat. Guided Flight Discovery: Private Pilot. Mike Abbott and Liz Kailey. Englewood: Jeppesen. pp. 10–26. ISBN 088487429X. OCLC 145504766. http://www.jeppesen.com/wlcs/application/commercewf?origin=itemsummary.jsp&event=link(details)&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=JS314500&wlcs_catalog_category_id=AT1A1A8&wlcs_document_type=details. Retrieved August 2007. 
2. ^ Willits, Pat. Guided Flight Discovery: Instrument/Commercial. Mike Abbott, Liz Kailey, and Jim Mowery. Englewood: Jeppesen. pp. 1–31. ISBN 0884872742. OCLC 145504766. http://www.jeppesen.com/wlcs/application/commercewf?origin=itemsummary.jsp&event=link(details)&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=JS314520&wlcs_catalog_category_id=AT1A1B9&wlcs_document_type=details. Retrieved August 2007. 
3. ^ Boeing (May 2006). "Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents Worldwide Operations" (PDF). Aviation Safety Boeing Commercial Airplanes. http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf. Retrieved August 2007. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "The Deadliest Plane Crash (transcript)". NOVA. PBS. October 2006. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3315_planecra.html. Retrieved August 2007.