Managing Unexpected Events
Fatal general aviation accidents often result from inappropriate responses to unexpected events. Loss of aircraft control is a common factor in accidents that would have been survivable if control had been maintained throughout the emergency. In some cases pilot skill and knowledge have not been sufficient developed to prepare for the emergency but in others it would seem that an initial inappropriate reaction began a chain of events that led to disaster. Humans are subject to a “startle response” when they are faced with unexpected emergency situations and may delay action or initiate inappropriate action in response to the emergency. Training and preparation can help pilots to manage the startle response and effectively cope with unexpected events.
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Unexpected events - especially those occuring close to the ground - require rapid, appropriate action.
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Startle response can delay action or precipitate inappropriate action.
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Pilots and flight instructors should train and plan for emergencies:
The Safety Enhancement Topic Fact Sheet below contains additional helpful information on managing unexpected events.
Managing the Unexpected Safety Enhancement
Contact Information: Sam Heiter - FAASTeam Program Manager - Grand Rapids FSDO
samuel.l.heiter@faa.gov / (574)220-1787
