Can Contribute To Small Plane Accidents

If it seems there's been a lot of small plane accidents lately... you're not off base.

While winter weather contributes to many small plane accidents this time of year, aviation safety experts say other "seasonal factors" can create hazardous conditions for recreational, as well as experienced pilots, according to a report by the Miami Herald.

Think holiday stress and fatigue; flying to unfamiliar airports in less than optimal conditions; and concern about the safety of family members who may be on board.
 
Two recent small plane accidents occurred during fog conditions, and when a pilot reported disorientation. Another occurred when a family was flying to see another family member in the Bahamas, even though that family member cautioned against flying that day because of the weather.

Trying to reach a destination on a tight schedule can cause pilot fatigue, according to Rudolf Mortimer, an Illinois-based engineering psychologist who studies pilot disorientation and aviation accidents.

Mortimer said pilots may downplay factors such as weather in their eagerness to get someplace... the behavior many pilots refer to as "get-there-itis."

"People may take risks they otherwise might not if it wasn't important for them to be in a particular place at a particular time," such as during the holidays, Mortimer said.

Performing difficult tasks with family members on board may also add to a pilot's stress, said Michael Busch, an aviation writer and flight instructor from Arroyo Grande, CA. Busch contends the presence of family members leads many pilots to make more conservative decisions.

Mortimer noted that the added responsibility of flying with family members can increase stress and cause a pilot to narrow his or her focus in moments when broad awareness is needed, such as landing.

"You have to tell yourself 'it isn't all that important that I land right here, right now,;" Mortimer said, adding pilots should always have a "Plan B" in mind in case conditions at the intended destination aren't favorable.

When it comes to flying in winter... even a "Plan C" may not be a bad idea...

FMI: www.faa.gov/data_statistics/aviation_data_statistics/civil_airmen_statistics/2005