Maj Rick Ludtke, USAF, MC, FS NGB/SGPF MISHAPs
USAF FY14 Aviation Mishap Review ver6 Mar 2015 2014 was “best year for safety in the Air Force” Historical average of 10.7 aircraft destroyed/year 2014: 2 Historical average of 8.2 fatalities/year 2014: 10 Costs at highest level since FY07 at $65M Note: Partially due to change in Cost Per Injury Type Estimate (all comers @ $8.7M; previously tiered)
2014 – Safest Year for the Air Force
7 X
Not updated for upgrade of KC-135 mishap to Class A
What’s missing. Medical factors related to mishap What’s missing? Medical factors related to mishap. We’re doing a great job, but this can’t be the only reason. Medical factors can be extremely difficult to find after-the-fact.
Cited Human Factors in FY14 #1 Inattention Most cited causal human factor in all USAF Class A-E flight mishaps (260) Most frequently reported contributory human factor in all Class A-D flight mishaps (45) #2 Miscommunication Top contributory human factor in Class E flight mishaps
Recent Changes Change in Cost Per Injury Type Estimate All fatalities valued @ $8.7M Previously, fatality cost was differentiated based on expected lifetime income (i.e., TIS, rank, age, etc.) Human Factors (HFACS) 7.0 released Rarely used or confusing HFACS removed HFACS remaining reorganized into categories
Mishap Classification Ground vs Aviation Categorized into Class based on estimated cost and/or extent of injuries (A-E; A>E) A = worst personal or financial cost E = least personal or financial cost
Investigation Timelines Safety investigation should be completed within 30 days of mishap Deadline can be extended in the interest of producing a thorough, complete and accurate safety report Outbrief to LtGen Clarke will be performed 2 weeks following de-convening of board Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Air Force wish to be present for fatality outbriefs
Various Boards Interim Safety Baord (ISB) Convened immediately upon notification of mishap Closest AD installation to mishap responsible Purpose is to collect and preserve evidence Safety Investigation Board (SIB) Convened days after mishap notification Responsibility of “gaining” MAJCOM (think operational owner) Purpose is to prevent another mishap Gaining MAJCOM is the functional owner. ACC is the gaining MAJCOM for all assigned ANG airframes (F-15, F-22, F-16, RPAs, etc). AMC is gaining MAJCOM for all assigned ANG airframes (C-17, C-130, C-5, KC-135, KC-10, etc). AETC is gaining MAJCOM for ANG training units.
Various Boards Aviation Investigation Board (AIB) Legal board Purpose is to determine blame