Book Description

The use of general aviation aircraft in transportation during the past decade has increased rapidly. Possibly more passengers are transported annually in general aviation aircraft than in all commercial air carriers combined. Investigations of general aviation aircraft accidents believed to be survivable indicate that the causes and types of injuries and fatalities are not different from those documented 30 to 40 years ago. However, improvements in the crashworthiness of automobiles during the past decade has been documented through a reduction of the fatality-to-injury ratios. Such improvement in general aviation aircraft crashworthiness has been sought by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Civil Aeronautics Board, and others for more than 35 years. This report reviews past accident investigations, regulatory developments, and crashworthiness research activities, and assesses the adequacy of current general aviation crashworthiness requirements. As a result of this review, recommendations for improved crashworthiness of general aviation aircraft are made.