Air Accident Causes

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30980, 9 February 1966, Page 1

Air Accident Causes

f.N Z Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 8. From the beginning of 1965 until a week ago 34 persons have been killed in 20 light aircraft accidents, the Civil Aviation Department’s accident investigation branch reported today.

In the same period there were 123 accidents involving agricultural aircraft. aero clubs, flying schools, charter flights for scenic and business purposes, and joyrides. “In aero club accidents the

propensity for inexperienced pilots to press on into deteriorating weather is a recurring problem which results in unnecessary fatal accidents,” said the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents (Wing Commander O. J. O’Brien). He said there were also isolated cases of pilots indulging in unauthorised low flying, with fatal results. “If these two causes could be eliminated the accident rate in the aero clubs would be remarkably low.” said Wing Commander O’Brien. In the agricultural flying, however, the accident rate (number of accidents per 10.000 hours flying) maintains

a downward trend. The rate has fallen from 32.7 in 1949. to 11.0 in 1956. and 3.9 in 1964.

Wing Commander O’Brien said better training, closer, supervision and a more responsible attitude by the agricultural air industry itself had been mainly responsible for the reduction. “But the human element is still the predominant factor in accident causes. “Training, strict observance of Civil Aviation regulations and aero club rules designed to make flying a safe pursuit and firm self discipline are the most effective prevention measures.” he said. “Accidents cannot be prevented by the mere drafting of regulations but they tend to disappear as if by magic when flying and ground personnel unite in a common enthusiasm to eliminate them,” he said. I