Pilot error as a symptom of inadequate stress coping

Over 700 psychological questionnaires, completed on naval aviators who had been involved in major aircraft mishaps over a 4-year period were divided into two groups. Those collected on aviators who were causally involved in their mishaps were compared with those who had no culpability in their mishaps. Those who were assigned pilot error demonstrated symptoms of having problems with interpersonal relationships, an indication of "acting out" behavior. "Acting out" would be a very typical reaction for the aggressive, non-introspective individual who is not coping with life stresses well. It is hypothesized that the pilot factor mishap might be a symptom of inadequate stress coping as well.