Occupational aviation deaths in Alaska, 1990-1995
Garrett, L.C.; Conway, G.A.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health 57 Suppl. 1: 510-517
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1239-9736 PMID: 10093334 Document Number: 494645
In Alaska, aviation was the leading cause of work-related death in 1995 and the second leading cause for the period 1990-95. A descriptive study of aviation crashes was completed to characterize occupational aviation crashes and fatalities in Alaska. Aviation-related incidents were abstracted from the Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System and National Transportation Safety Board preliminary reports. Records for a total of 1065 aviation crashes were abstracted. There were 285 aviation-related fatalities (8.5/100,000/yr) for all Alaskans; 135 (47%) of the fatalities (7.3/100,000/yr for Alaskan workers) were occupationally related. Helicopters accounted for 55 (17%) of the total occupational aviation crashes and 14 (10%) of the fatalities. The most common phase of flight cited in all crashes was takeoff (59 [18%]) and landing (136 [41%]); in contrast, only 9 (13%) of the fatal crashes occurred during takeoff and landing combined. In fatal crashes, the cruise phase (27 [38%]), followed by maneuvering (16 [23%]), were the most frequent phases of flight cited. Thirty-one percent (n = 22) of aircraft involved in fatal occupational incidents were not completely destroyed, allowing for potential survivors. Shoulder harnesses and helmet use, improved cockpit design, and energy-absorbing seats could reduce aviation-related injury and death.