The National Transportation Safety Board’s decision to add “loss of control” to its 10 Most Wanted list of safety improvements in 2015 served as another clarion call for help to stem what has become the top killer in airplanes of all shapes and sizes. While pilots losing control of their aircraft is not a new problem, a number of high-profile commercial aviation accidents — including the 2009 crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Buffalo, New York — brought the topic front and center to pilots over the past decade, with the NTSB’s listing putting a harsh spotlight on the issue. The Buffalo accident led to Public Law 111-216, which will soon require upset prevention and recovery training, as well as full-stall simulator training, for Part 121 commercial air carrier pilots.
The Persistent Threat of Loss of Control
Key Takeaways:
- Loss of Control (LOC) is the leading cause of aviation fatalities, and while commercial aviation has significantly reduced such accidents through mandated Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) and integrated safety plans, General Aviation (GA) lags significantly.
- Most GA LOC accidents are often fatal stall-spins, occurring at low altitudes due to poor pilot technique and a lack of deep aerodynamic understanding, particularly regarding rudder use.
- Current GA pilot training is largely insufficient, with minimal requirements failing to prepare pilots for unexpected upset scenarios, highlighting a critical need for enhanced, realistic UPRT beyond regulatory minimums.
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