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Medical causes of in-flight incapacitation: USAF experience 1978-1987
1USAF Hospital, Robins Air Force Base, GA 31098.
Abstract:
In-flight incapacitation of a fully trained crewmember due to a serious underlying medical condition is a rather infrequent event. In order to delineate the extent and nature of the incapacitation problem we reviewed the data base at the Air Force Safety and Inspection Center for all incidents coded for incapacitation, preexisting disease, or other acute illnesses occurring during the 10 years between 1978 and 1987. During this period there were 23 in-flight incidents of incapacitation due to significant underlying medical conditions. In 11 of the incidents the incapacitation resulted in a loss of consciousness. Neurologic conditions were the most frequent cause followed by cardiovascular conditions. We calculated a rate of incapacitation as 0.19 per million aircrew flying hours.
Insights
In-flight incapacitation is rare, with 23 incidents over 10 years. Neurologic and cardiovascular conditions were the most common causes of crewmember medical emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Medicine
- Aerospace Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- In-flight incapacitation of aircrew due to medical conditions is infrequent but critical.
- Understanding the scope and causes of these events is vital for aviation safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and nature of in-flight incapacitation events in aircrew.
- To identify the underlying medical conditions leading to incapacitation.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Air Force Safety and Inspection Center database.
- Analysis of incidents coded for incapacitation, preexisting disease, or acute illness from 1978-1987.
Main Results:
- 23 in-flight incapacitation incidents occurred over a 10-year period.
- Neurologic conditions were the most frequent cause, followed by cardiovascular conditions.
- 11 incidents resulted in loss of consciousness.
Conclusions:
- The rate of in-flight incapacitation due to underlying medical conditions is low (0.19 per million flying hours).
- Neurologic and cardiovascular diseases are primary concerns for aircrew medical fitness.