A new generation of private single-engine jet executive aircraft, having very high performance flight characteristics, will soon be available to general aviation pilots. In order to afford some prediction of the adequacy of present pilot experience, requirements and regulations, and to provide some understanding of future safety problems, civil pilot accident experience in a comparable operational aircraft, the North American F-51D fighter, has been studied. Of an estimated 80 surplus F-51D type aircraft still operational in general aviation, 25 were involved in accidents during a 26 month period from 1962-1965, and were investigated for this report. Of these, 20 (80%) were due to pilot error, with poor technique in landing accounting for 14 (56%); 5 (20%) were due to material failure or improper maintenance of power plant or landing gear. Six pilots and 6 passengers were fatally injured (in non-survivable crashes); serious injury was sustained by 2 pilots and 2 passengers. 17 pilots and 4 passengers (56%) were uninjured. The structural strength of the cockpit and use of shoulder harness and crash helmets were found to contribute substantially to survival. It is concluded that operation of single-engine light aircraft with high performance capability under present airman licensing regulations is not consistent with past high-performance civil aircraft experience and may become increasingly inadequate or even dangerous in the future. (Author)


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    Title :

    Civil Pilot Accident Experience with High Performance Military Surplus Type Aircraft


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1966


    Size :

    36 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English