Experimental Aircraft Safety

According to the NTSB, “Experimental amateur-built (E-AB) aircraft represent nearly 10 percent of the U.S. general aviation fleet, but these aircraft accounted for approximately 15 percent of the total—and 21 percent of the fatal—U.S. general aviation accidents in 2011.” With those numbers in mind, along with the fact E-ABs represent one of the fastest-growing portions of general aviation in the U.S., the NTSB last year initiated a major study of the segment.The study’s results were adopted by the NTSB in May 2012, after detailed analysis of accident records going back 10 years, in-depth investigations of all E-AB accidents during 2011, a broad survey of E-AB aircraft builders and wide-ranging discussions with industry. What, if anything, did they find? What were the study’s recommendations? Most important, can the study’s results be applied to those of us not flying so-called “homebuilt” aircraft?

Key Takeaways:

• Experimental amateur-built (E-AB) aircraft account for a disproportionately higher percentage of total and fatal general aviation accidents compared to their fleet size.
• The primary causes of E-AB accidents are powerplant failures and in-flight loss of control, often occurring during critical phases like takeoff and linked to pilots having low time in type, particularly in newly built or recently purchased used aircraft.
• The NTSB study identified a critical need for improved access to E-AB specific transition training and performance information for pilots to enhance safety, leading to industry initiatives like the formation of the Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA).

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