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 top cause of aviation fatalities, but while commercial aviation has successfully mandated Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) to nearly eliminate fatal LOC accidents, general aviation (GA) still suffers a high number of deaths from similar incidents.
- General aviation pilots typically lack the in-depth aerodynamic understanding and practical training needed for real-world LOC prevention and recovery, as current minimum requirements like bi-annual flight reviews are insufficient to address the lethal, unexpected stall scenarios that often occur at low altitudes.
- Experts advocate for a significant overhaul of GA pilot education to include more robust UPRT and advanced stall training, focusing on awareness and prevention beyond minimal regulatory standards, to reduce the persistent and high rate of LOC accidents.
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