Aircraft Loss-of-Control Accident Analysis

Abstract

Loss of control remains one of the largest contributors to fatal aircraft accidents worldwide. Aircraft loss-of-control accidents are complex in that they can result from numerous causal and contributing factors acting alone or (more often) in combination. Hence, there is no single intervention strategy to prevent these accidents. To gain a better understanding into aircraft loss-of-control events and possible intervention strategies, this paper presents a detailed analysis of loss-of-control accident data (predominantly from Part 121), including worst case combinations of causal and contributing factors and their sequencing. Future potential risks are also considered.

Optimal Control Framework for Estimating Autopilot Safety Margins

“…In the commercial jet category alone, LOC was the cause of 22 accidents resulting in 1,991 fatalities [1] for the period between 1999 and 2008. Aircraft LOC accidents are complex, and as stated in Kwatny et al [2], are often associated with flight outside of the normal operating envelope, with non-linear influences, and with an inability of the pilot to control the aircraft.…”

“…poor visibility, wake vortices, wind shear, turbulence, and icing conditions), that eventually lead to an upset condition (e.g. abnormal attitude, abnormal airspeed, uncontrolled descent, or departure into a stall) because of an inability of the crew to deal with the situation [1]. This observation suggests that current flight-crew decision making and supporting flight-deck software for safe vehicle operation are inadequate in dealing with these so-called off-nominal conditions.…”

“…Regardless of which philosophy is being followed, current FEP systems have not always helped in preventing LOC incidents and are not sophisticated enough to adapt to off-nominal conditions that alter the flight dynamical characteristics of the aircraft significantly. To overcome this shortcoming, more advanced Flight Safety Assurance (FSA) systems [1] have to be developed that can help assess and predict the impact of off-nominal conditions on vehicle flight safety.…”

Future Integrated Systems Concept for Preventing Aircraft Loss-of-Control Accidents

“…1,2 For example, a summary of worldwide commercial jet airplane accidents occurring from 1999 through 2008 from Ref. [3] is shown in Figure 1. As indicated in the figure, in-flight aircraft loss of control (LOC) resulted in 22 accidents and a total of 1,991 fatalities during this time period.…”

Nonlinear control of aerial vehicles subjected to aerodynamic forces

“…Then, stabilization is usually achieved by applying linear control techniques [1]. A main preoccupation when investigating nonlinear aircraft phenomena is to determine the conditions that may trigger an aircraft loss-of-control (LOC), which remains among the most important contributors to fatal accidents [3]. To understand the qualitative and global behavior of nonlinear aircraft dynamics, the control problem is usually formulated in the form of a set of ordinary differential equations depending on parameters [4].…”