To obtain a better picture of LOC accidents and their root causes, I looked at fatal GA accidents in 2011, long enough ago that NTSB final reports are available. I used the NTSB’s Web-based database (www.ntsb.gov). I confined my search to U. S.-based Part 91 fatal accidents and excluded amateur-built aircraft and Part 135 accidents. In the word search box, I used the term “loss of control.” The search turned up 47 accidents, each including a factual report and a probable cause finding. I reviewed both for all 47 accidents.
My intent was to determine whether the hazard(s) precipitating the accident could have been identified by the pilot and then assessed and mitigated, possibly preventing it. I broadly labeled such an accident as having poor risk management as its main root cause. If no significant hazard(s) were identified, or the pilot could not have identified them and would have lost control of the aircraft anyway, the accident was labeled as skill-related or resulting some other non-risk management-related reason.
