Air Accident Investigation

Citation

(2002), "Air Accident Investigation", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774cae.002

Air Accident Investigation

By David Owen

Keywords: Aircraft, Disaster, Accidents

Flying as an airline passenger is, statistically, one of the safest forms of travel. For every accident, from a trivial mishap to a major disaster, there are millions of flights which are safe and uneventful. However, it can still be a daunting and even frightening experience for some people, and after every incident public concern about aviation safety increases.

This book looks at the different factors involved in causing aircraft accidents, ranging from severe weather conditions to pilot error, metal fatigue and inadequate aircraft maintenance. Each major cause is illustrated by means of crucial incidents, some of which puzzled the investigators, initially at least. Of the incidents described in detail, some were highly publicised by the media at the time. This edition has been updated to include details of the investigation into the Paris Concorde crash in 2000. The book explains the painstaking work of reconstructing the precise sequence of events which brought about a disaster and how clues are found that throw light on what actually happened. David Owen concludes with an examination of the present-day state of aviation safety, along with the challenges facing the future of a rapidly expanding industry.

David Owen was an engineer in the aerospace industry before turning to writing for a living. He has more than a dozen books to his credit, on aviation, motorsport, engineering design and social and military history, and has worked extensively in radio and television. Here, he has produced an absorbing book for both aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

Details available from: Sutton Publishing Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1453 731114; Fax: +44 (0) 1453 731117