Helicopter Ditching: Time of Crash and Survivability

Abstract

This study examines helicopter ditchings using the variable of as a primary factor affecting survival rates and survivability. One hypothesis held by the authors argues that a combination of several factors including: Time of Crash (divided into 6 hour blocks), (2) Position of the Helicopter (float/sank), (3) Inversion (immediate/delayed), and (4) Cause of Ditching (pilot error/mechanical/weather) may lead to more crashes and a reduced survival rate. The dataset for this study includes 151 helicopter ditching cases that occurred between 1993 and 2005. Survival rates (overall% survived for each case) and survivability ( [less-than or equal to] / greater than 50%) was used to assess the effect of the four variables. Analyses reveal a significant relationship exists between survivability and time of crash (p = .009), float (p less than or equal .001), inversion (p less than or equal .001), and cause (p = .02). Thirteen of the 21 cases (62%) occurring after 6 pm resulted in less than 50% survivability. Further, pilot error was noted in seven of the 13 cases (54%) occurring after 6 pm. However, the complexity of the interaction between survival and each of the chosen variables is difficult to separate out due to limited accident investigation information. Language: en