NBAA: Q1 Review Shows Need for Stabilized Approaches

NBAA’s recently released “Business Aviation Accident and Incident Analysis” for the first quarter highlights a need to focus on stabilized approaches, the association said. The analysis examined 15 incidents and 25 accidents that occurred in the first three months of the year in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Seven of the accidents involved business jets, including a fatal accident in Bangor, Maine. Another 10 involved business turboprops, including fatal accidents in Haiti, Louisiana, and Colorado. In addition, eight involved turbine helicopters with fatal accidents in Arizona and Hawaii.

The analysis looks at common themes for industry safety managers and experts to consider. “While investigations into many of these events are ongoing and probable causes have yet to be determined, the data already points to the need for strict adherence to stabilized approach criteria, as well as heightened vigilance and enhanced ground control procedures in the airport ramp and runway environments,” said Mark Larsen, NBAA director of safety and flight operations. Other common elements that surfaced include runway excursions, landing gear events, and environmental hazards such as terrain and poor weather.

“NBAA encourages members to review this analysis closely, and for safety managers and training coordinators to incorporate these real-world operational challenges into recurrent training scenarios and upcoming safety reviews,” he said.