US NAVAL HELICOPTER MISHAPS - COCKPIT EGRESS PROBLEMS

Introduction: A number of potential problems are associated with egres s from the helicopter cockpit in the post-crash phase of a mishap. The purpose of this study was to identify the egress problems experienced by pilots in U.S. Navy/Marine Corp helicopter cockpits, and to propos e a priority of preventive interventions. Method: Using Naval Safety C enter data, we reviewed 1980-94 Class A helicopter mishap narratives. We identified and categorized cockpit egress problems reported by pilo ts. The data are described in terms of problem category, helicopter ty pe, crash terrain, and time of day. Results: Of the 210 survivable mis haps, 489 egress problems were reported in 128 mishaps, 61% involved a ircrew factors, 16% environmental factors, 12% were related to helicop ter factors, and 11% to cockpit factors. Of the 128 mishaps, 67.5% occ urred during daytime, 32.5% at night, 64% in overwater crashes, 26% ov er land, and 10% over flight decks. The most significant, but uncommon , injuries involved the ''stroking seat.'' Conclusions: Egress hazards can be minimized by the implementation of more intensive underwater e gress training, crashworthy fuel systems, better design of cockpit exi ts and hatches, better restraint systems, better crashworthy seats, un derwater visual aids, and more streamlined personal equipment. Enginee ring validation is needed before committing to suggested interventions .