Analysis of Helicopter Accident Risk Exposure Near Heliports, Airports, andUnimproved Sites

摘要

This report discusses the development of relevant safety indicators to be used inthe assessment of risk exposure due to heliport design and operational standards. Since helicopter accidents have been relatively rare events, historical data at heliports are somewhat limited. Therefore, the approach described herein is to develop the total helicopter risk exposure due to all causes and then estimate what proportion of that risk should be allocated to various circumstances associated with specific heliport design and helicopter operational characteristics. This approach introduces the need for analysis and quantification of risk using a parameter or parameters that both industry and government agree are within a logical framework. Data on the number of helicopter accidents per year, accidents per 1 00,000 hours of flight time, accidents per 1 00,000 mission segments, accident rates for selected mission types, occupant risk of serious injury, and neighborhood risk are presented. Finally, civil helicopter accidents are categorized by the facilities near which they occur (heliport, airport, etc.) and by the operating facility design parameters that impact operational risk. This report is one of a series of three dealing with helicopter accidents near heliports, airports, and unimproved landing areas. The other reports are: 'Analysis of Helicopter Mishaps at Heliports, Airports, and Unimproved Sites' DOT/FAA/RD-90/8, 'Composite Profiles of Helicopter Mishaps at Heliports and Airports,' DOT/FAAIRD-91/1.