Abstract
Loss of control in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) is the most common cause of
fatal accidents involving light aircraft in the UK and probably worldwide. Understanding
why LoC events occur and why there are apparent differences between aircraft types is
currently under investigation by Brunel Flight Safety Laboratory (BFSL).
Using a case study approach for selected light aircraft used in the training environment
and based upon a 29 year study of UK fatal accidents, BFSL undertook a qualitative and
quantitative review of fatal stall/spin accidents using a combination of statistical and
qualitative analysis. Aircraft/model design differences and published material were
reviewed with respect to performance and handling qualities for possible clues, and
informal interviews were conducted with type-experienced students, pilots and flying
instructors.
A flight test programme was executed using multiple examples (for fleet-wide attributes)
of aircraft models to enable assessment and comparison of flying qualities (both
qualitatively and quantitatively). Working within the continuous budget constraints of
academia, a creative and cost effective flight test programme was developed without
compromising safety. The two-man team (TP & FTE) used standard (unmodified) flying
club and syndicate aircraft in conjunction with non-invasive low cost flight test
instrumentation. Tests included apparent longitudinal (static and dynamic) stability and
control characteristics, stall and low-speed handling characteristics and cockpit
ergonomics / pilot workload. During this programme, adaptations were also made to the
classic Cooper-Harper “point tracking” method towards a “boundary avoidance” method.
The paper describes tools and techniques used, research findings, the team‟s lessons
learned and proposed future research. It also discusses the possible application of
research results in aircraft, pilot and environmental causal factors, enabling a better
understanding of LoC incidents and future avoidance within the light aircraft community
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |
| Event | 41st Annual International Symposium - Society of Flight Test Engineers - Washington, United States Duration: 13 Sept 2010 → 16 Sept 2010 |
Conference
| Conference | 41st Annual International Symposium - Society of Flight Test Engineers |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Washington |
| Period | 13/09/10 → 16/09/10 |