September 7th 2024.
In recent months, there has been a concerning increase in fatal light aeroplane crashes in the UK. It seems like every time we turn on the news, there is another tragic incident to mourn. Just last week, two men were lucky to escape with their lives after a crash landing on an A-road in Gloucestershire. This comes after a series of other devastating crashes that have shaken the aviation industry.
One can't help but wonder why these accidents are happening more frequently. According to Dr. Guy Gratton, a pilot and instructor, the answer may lie in the weather. As the summer months bring clear skies and good flying conditions, more pilots take to the skies, resulting in a higher number of accidents. Dr. Gratton, who has an impressive 1,900 hours of flying experience and has flown 109 different aircraft types, explains that there is usually a peak in accidents during June, July, and August.
But it's not just a short-term issue. The long-term trend is also cause for concern, as the number of accidents has remained stubborn despite a significant decrease in the total flying hours of light aircraft over the past 20 years. Dr. Gratton believes that this may be due to the rising cost of flying and the increasing complexity of regulations. As a result, many pilots are flying less and may not be as competent as they would be if they were flying more frequently.
The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau has reported that they are currently investigating nine fatal accidents that have occurred this year alone. These crashes have had various causes, including loss of control, which has been the top cause for many years. Dr. Gratton explains that this is when a pilot, for whatever reason, fails to maintain control of the aircraft. Despite advancements in technology and safety measures, this remains a consistent problem, accounting for about 20% of all accidents over the past two decades.
It's frustrating for those in the aviation industry who work tirelessly to improve safety and prevent these tragedies from occurring. Dr. Gratton believes that more can be done to bring the accident rate down, especially in regards to loss of control. This is a well-understood issue, yet it continues to happen. As we mourn the lives lost in these crashes, it's important to continue striving for improvement and finding solutions to prevent them from happening in the future.
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