Improving the Crashworthiness of General Aviation Aircraft by Crash Injury Investigations

Abstract

An accident investigative research program has correlated injuries to aircraft occupants with the accident severity and structural changes in the crash. Findings brought to the attention of aircraft manufacturers have led to specific aircraft being made more crashworthy. Following the finding of a failure in a shoulder harness attachment the manufacturer strengthened the attachment brace. The way a shoulder harness was joined to a lapbelt was modified as a follow up to failure of the attachment in an accident. Noted fractures of lapbelt and shoulder harness cable tie downs led to the use of stronger cables and modification of the installation. Other accident findings resulted in a shoulder strap guide being placed on an inertia reel and a side- mounted seat being modified.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA103316

Entities

People

  • William R. Kirkham

Organizations

  • Federal Aviation Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accident Investigations
  • Accidents
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Aviation Accidents
  • Bone Fractures
  • Crash Injuries
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Fuselages
  • General Aviation Aircraft
  • Head Injuries
  • Health Services
  • Instrument Panels
  • Medical Personnel
  • Spars
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Systems Analysis and Design