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Report finds improper decision-making was common thread
in Idaho's recent aviation accidents

Idaho's Division of Aeronautics found faulty aeronautic decision-making was the common thread for most of the state's 22 aviation accidents. The Division of Aeronautics recently completed its third annual report — the Idaho Aviation Accident Scorecard.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) categorized 73% of the accidents as "pilot error." Another 9% were categorized as "mechanical/maintenance" accidents. Five percent were categorized as "environmental," another 5% were categorized as "unknown," and 14% are still under investigation.

The report analyzes aviation accident data from two years prior, in this case 2016. The data comes from the NTSB database. It takes a couple years for investigations to be completed; thus the reason for the two-year lag.

The report includes yearly comparisons and summaries, total number of general aviation accidents, fatal accidents, fatalities, pilot qualifications, and class of aircraft. Here's a link to the report

"With this data, we can identify a particular area of emphasis when planning workshops and trainings for the next year," said Idaho Division of Aeronautics' Jim Hinen, who leads the safety/education unit.

Here are a few of the findings:

- Aircraft accidents decreased from 28 in 2015 to 22 in 2016
- Fatalities resulting from aircraft accidents decreased from 9 in 2015 to 1 in 2016
- Fatal accidents decreased from 4 in 2015 to 1 in 2016

The mission of the Idaho Division of Aeronautics is to promote and foster aviation within the state of Idaho. The Safety/Education unit of the Division supports this mission by providing relevant, high-quality safety information, and education programs for the benefit of stakeholders.

General aviation flying in Idaho can be challenging. Statistics indicate Idaho has traditionally experienced a higher per capita accident rate than neighboring states. In 2013, the division set a performance goal of reducing the state general aviation (GA) accident rate by half over a five-year period.

The goal was accomplished through airport standard operating procedures, welcome packets for visiting pilots, fly-in safety briefings, safety seminars, and the annual safety standdown event.

The number of general-aviation accidents occurring in neighboring states from highest to lowest:
· Nevada 32
· Washington 31
· Oregon 23
· Idaho 22
· Montana 18
· Utah 18
· Wyoming 10

Published 04-13-18