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Injury in U.S. Army helicopter crashes October 1979-September 1985.

D F Shanahan1, M O Shanahan

  • 1Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C. 20306-6000.

The Journal of Trauma
|April 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

U.S. Army helicopter crashes from 1979-1985 revealed secondary impacts, not acceleration, as the primary cause of injury. Head and extremity injuries were most common in survivable crashes, highlighting the need for improved helicopter crashworthiness.

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Area of Science:

  • Aviation Safety
  • Trauma Research
  • Mechanical Engineering

Background:

  • U.S. Army helicopter Class A and B mishaps were analyzed over a six-year period (1979-1985).
  • A total of 298 crashes involving 303 aircraft were reviewed.
  • 1,060 individuals were aboard these aircraft, with 611 injured and 136 fatalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the primary causes of injury in helicopter crashes.
  • To compare injury patterns across different helicopter types.
  • To review and recommend improvements in helicopter crashworthiness.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of U.S. Army class A and B helicopter mishaps from October 1, 1979, to September 30, 1985.
  • Review of crash data, including number of aircraft, individuals aboard, injuries, and fatalities.

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  • Comparison of injury patterns and causes related to helicopter design differences.

    • Main Results:

    • The most frequent cause of injury was 'secondary impact' due to structural collapse or inadequate occupant restraint.
    • Acceleration-related injuries were infrequent.
    • In survivable crashes, the head (28%) and extremities (43%) were the most commonly injured body regions.

    Conclusions:

    • Secondary impacts are the critical factor in helicopter crash injuries.
    • Helicopter design significantly influences injury patterns.
    • Recommendations for enhanced crashworthiness include improved occupant protection and structural design, informed by field investigations.