Avoiding Cockpit Distractions

On October 12, 1997, popular musician John Denver flew his new-to-him LongEZ into the Pacific Ocean off Monterey, Calif. He died on impact with the water. According to the NTSB, “witnesses saw the airplane in straight and level flight about 350 to 500 feet over a residential area, then they heard a reduction of engine noise. The airplane was seen to pitch slightly nose up; then it banked sharply to the right [and] descended nose first into the ocean.” The probable cause statement included, “...the pilot’s diversion of attention from the operation of the airplane and his inadvertent application of right rudder that resulted in the loss of airplane control while attempting to manipulate the fuel selector handle.” The distraction of reaching and repositioning the airplane’s fuel selector led to the distraction.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilot distraction is a pervasive and dangerous issue in aviation, evidenced by numerous incidents and accidents, including high-profile cases like John Denver's crash and the Northwest Airlines overflight.
• Distractions originate from diverse sources, such as pilot/passenger interactions, personal electronic devices, unexpected aircraft issues, and complex procedural changes, leading pilots to divert attention from operating the aircraft.
• Preventing distractions requires pilots to maintain discipline and focus, thoroughly prepare for flights (especially IFR), enforce sterile cockpit rules, and consistently prioritize the fundamental task of flying the airplane.

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