Examination of Part 135 Controlled Flight into Terrain Accidents as a Basis for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems

Abstract

In 1998 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed the installation of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning devices (EGPWS) in all turbine powered aircraft with six or more passenger seats, operating under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135, to reduce “Controlled Flight Into Terrain” (CFIT). CFIT accident experience of Part 135 operations has not been evaluated by the FAA. We analyzed all commuter and charter aircraft crashes of this type using NTSB aviation accident data from 1983 to 1998. There were 15 crashes with CFIT criteria. We asked 15 experienced pilots to examine the narratives of the crashes and to estimate the probability that EGPWS would have allowed the crew to avoid these crashes. Based on the ratings, the median probability that Part 135 crashes would be avoided using EGPWS is 58%. Human factors issues associated with EGPWS are discussed.

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