REFLECTOR:Accidents, statistics and random thoughts

[Scott Baker]

Chuck,
Your first paragraph implies that the major kit makers have the information,
and are failing to "voluntarily submit" it to the public.  I can tell you
that Velocity is lucky when a builder shares any information with the
factory regarding such matters.  That data that comes into the factory
following accidents and incidents is no different, and no more complete than
what is reported in the NTSB report.  The factory is rarely consulted nor
does it have first hand knowledge of the  majority of Velocity accidents -
and therefore isn't in a position to judge what happened or why.
There are times when Velocity staff members are privy to accidents - and we
have a pretty good idea as to what and why.  But the legal world being what
it is - we are not going to stick our necks out to point any fingers of
blame - especially when the builder or the pilot has an opposite opinion.
There are times (too many) when Mike Snyder (chief A&P; IA at Velocity)
comes into the lunch room visibly shaken at the poor condition of some of
the aircraft that come to the Service Center for inspection - yet every
builder is convinced that their Velocity is a masterpiece of workmanship and
engineering.  This is why Velocity is pushing for more detailed and
professional inspections of the aircraft.
There are many reasons why aircraft have accidents - and the aircraft's
mechanical systems is just one ingredient to the stew.  Pilot proficiency,
pilot experience, pilot decision making, winds and other weather factors,
fuel contamination, fuel exhaustion, not closing or locking the door,
forgetting to put the landing gear down, hard landings, flying outside of
the recommended cg or weight limitations of the aircraft, fluid leaks,
blocked fuel vent lines, and the list (unfortunately and tragically) goes on
and on.  This list, by the way is not based on theory.  In my time with
Velocity I can recall of an actual Velocity accident or incident that was
caused by each and every one of these factors.
Fly safe; build safe; manage risks.
Best regards,
Scott B




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chuck Jensen" <cjensen@dts9000.com>
To: <reflector@tvbf.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 2:09 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR:Accident History


> It's probably totally impractical but it'd certainly be interesting and
> useful if the major kit makers would each voluntarily submit an accounting
> of their planes flying, accident history (broken down to test flying,
first
> 50 hours, and thereafter, etc.), severity of injury/fatalities, and damage
> to planes.  Yes, some of the information is available on the NTSB but we
> want/need more information to understand what is happening, why it's
> happening and to whom.
>
> Statistical analysis is a wonderful thing and can be enlightening.  This
> isn't about bashing one particular manufacturer or gaining a competitive
> edge over another kit builder; this is about saving hardware and lives.
For
> that, competition can be set aside.
>
> I think Velocity's undertaking of Condition Inspections and Pilot
Checkouts
> is an example of such analysis, even though it may have been anecdotal and
> informal.  A systemic weakness was identified and steps were taken to
> correct.  It's hard to quantify how many planes are in one piece and how
> many pilots are healthy because of the hardware and piloting defects that
> were detected and corrected.
>
> Everyone would benefit from a common depository of this information.