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Health-Related Factors Among Pilots in Aviation Accidents
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|January 23, 2024
Summary
Medical conditions and medications are linked to aviation accidents. Cardiovascular diseases and treatments were the most significant factors, highlighting the need for continued research into health
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Medical Factors in Accidents
- Transportation Safety Research
Background:
- Health-related factors can compromise aviation safety.
- Understanding medical conditions and medication use in aviation accidents is crucial.
- The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates aviation mishaps.
Approach:
- A two-part study combining a scoping review of medical literature and a comprehensive review of NTSB accident reports (2013-2022).
- Analysis of 15,654 NTSB-investigated mishaps to identify associated medical factors.
- Literature review to identify major medication categories in fatal aircraft accidents.
Key Points:
- Medical factors were associated with 4.5% of 15,654 aviation mishaps.
- Cardiovascular diseases (1.3%), psychiatric (0.23%), and endocrine diseases (0.17%) were most common pilot diseases.
- Cardiovascular medications (1.49%), sedating antihistamines (0.91%), and alcohol (0.70%) were most common substances/medications at time of accidents.
Conclusions:
- Health-related factors, though a small proportion, are likely underestimated in aviation accidents.
- Cardiovascular diseases and their treatments represent the most significant health-related factors.
- Continued investigation into the association between health factors and aviation mishaps is essential.
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