A systematic technique for the identification of crash hazards in U.S. Army aircraft

A methodology for identification of crashworthiness deficiencies in Army aircraft is discussed. The methodology provides for injury and impact data to be extracted from accident reports using a specially-developed injury coding system. Personnel injuries are costed through a technique which provides for consideration of each injury based on its relative severity as determined by medical examination. Crash injury causes are identified and ranked according to the magnitude of their effect and probability of occurrence. The technique is designed to provide recommendations as to the most urgent crashworthiness research/development/procurement efforts for consideration by aircraft systems managers and aviation research laboratories. An application of the methodology to an operational Army aircraft is shown. Results typically available are discussed. Recommendations are made as to the use of the methodology and to additional investigation aids which would improve the future identification of crash hazards.