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Why We Crash

The FAA says we should stop crashing-good idea, yes? The problem, though, is to figure out why we crash so we can stop doing whatever it is that makes us crash. I have a few broad-brush ideas about why we crash: bad luck, incompetence and bad judgment.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Aircraft accidents are primarily categorized as resulting from bad luck, correctable incompetence, or difficult-to-mitigate bad judgment.
  • Bad judgment, which is challenging to teach and often only recognized in hindsight, is a significant factor in preventable crashes.
  • To counter bad judgment, pilots should proactively envision how a risky decision would be described in a future accident report or "rear-view mirror" before proceeding.
  • This proactive self-reflection allows pilots to make safer choices, thereby reducing accidents and improving aviation safety.
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The FAA says we should stop crashing—good idea, yes? The problem, though, is to figure out why we crash so we can stop doing whatever it is that makes us crash. I have a few broad-brush ideas about why we crash: bad luck, incompetence and bad judgment.

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