The Influence of Automation on Aviation Accident and Fatality Rates: 2000-2010

The purpose of this project is to evaluate if technological advances and implementation of automation have produced a decrease in the number and severity of accidents in commercial aviation over the last decade. To accomplish this evaluation historical commercial aviation accident data from 2000 to 2010 will be examined. Commercial fixed wing and rotary wing data will be evaluated. No aviation incident data will be collected; the project will be limited in scope to commercial aviation accidents. Accidents highlighting major deficiencies involving automation will be discussed in detail. To further support the projects purpose, emphasis will be given to evaluate the influence and role of pilot training in relation to automation, to pilot over-reliance on automation, to the merits of intuitive interface design, and to the role of crew coordination has played in either reducing or increasing the accident rate and severity during the specified time period