A Comparison of US Air Force Pilot Psychological Baseline Information to Safety Outcomes
Abstract
There are many possible causes underlying US Air Force aircraft mishaps and incidents. Some are due to circumstances beyond the pilots' control, such as bird strikes and engine or control surface malfunctions. Some, however, clearly involve at least some degree of pilot error, including collisions with the ground and pilot-induced engine malfunctions. Method: Archival psychological test data related to the trait of "conscientiousness" was obtained on 347 pilots who subsequently were involved in aircraft mishaps and incidents. Data was contrasted between those who were (N=28) and were not (N=319) deemed to have played a causal role in mishaps/incidents. Results: Pilots who received high scores on subscales related to self-assurance and devotion to duty were 3.75 and 2.39 times, respectively, more likely to have pilot-error mishaps/incidents. No relationship was found between mishaps/incidents and orderliness, achievement striving, self-discipline, and deliberation. Discussion: While counter-intuitive, it may be that these traits represent a lack of flexibility of the pilots such that they are less able to meet novel demands in crisis situations. Alternatively, those with higher feelings of competence, particularly in this relatively inexperienced sample, may have over-stretched their ability. Or, perhaps pilots with these traits are more likely to report significant incidents that fall short of a mishap. These interpretations are preliminary; more cases need to be collected and analyzed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387300
Entities
People
- Daniel R. Orme
- Paul D. Retzlaff
- Raymond E. King