Table of Contents
Executive Summary
3
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
5
Statistical Summary
7
USFS Owned and/or Operated Statistics
14
Fixed-Wing Statistics
16
Airtanker Statistics
18
Helicopter Statistics
21
SAFECOM Summary
23
Mishap Summary
33
NOTE: Formulas used: Industry standard “per 100,000 hours flown”
Accident Rate = Number of accidents divided by the number of hours flown
multiplied by 100,000.
Fatal Accident Rate = Number of fatal accidents divided by the number of
hours flown multiplied by 100,000.
Fatality Rate = Number of fatalities divided by the number of hours flown
multiplied by 100,000.
This report is available on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/
fy_safety_reports/index.html
2
Executive Summary
The Forest Service Aviation Risk Management program is based on the philosophy that all
aircraft mishaps are preventable and that mishap prevention is an inherent function of
management.
The Forest Service did not have any accountable accidents in FY 2012; however, there
were two airtanker accidents (1 contract & 1 military) that we have strong connections to
and must learn from.
Risk Management Program Objective:
The objectives of Aviation Risk Management and
Training Systems are in keeping with the most
modern approaches to the safe management of
complex systems. Success in aviation safety is a
result of coordinated efforts with cooperators and
vendors who provide approximately 90% of all
Forest Service aviation services.
The Forest Service incorporates Safety Management Systems (SMS) in it’s aviation program. The
Forest Service continues working with the FAA on
implementing Safety Management Systems that target a reduction in the number of accidents experienced by aircraft vendors that service our natural resource missions.
Safety Management Systems achieve high standards of efficiency and effectiveness within
the four primary components which include:
✈ Policy is management commitment, responsibility and accountability for the program
and the appointment of key safety personnel. Forest Service manuals are being revised
using principle centered management for guidance of aviation operations.
✈ Risk Management identifies hazards and applies risk assessment and mitigation processes.
✈ Assurance is the process of monitoring controls that also includes aviation accident
prevention, review and analysis of historical data, accident investigation, error analysis,
and corrective action plans.
✈ Promotion includes training for pilots, crews, managers, support personnel and endusers. Other communications, awards and lessons learned help to maintain safety
awareness.
3
Executive Summary
Mishap Trends:
The Branch of Aviation Risk Management monitors safety data, hazard reports and mishaps in its effort to identify hazardous trends. The Aviation Accident Database supports
accident trend analysis, and the identification of Human Factors issues. The SAFECOM
system is a proactive method that monitors and corrects safety issues and shares lessons
learned on a daily basis.
The Forest Service did not have any reportable accidents in 2012; however, there were
two fatal accidents that we must learn from. The two accidents were a military Modular
Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) C-130 aircraft and one of our contract airtankers working on a BLM fire. The MAFFS C-130 crashed while working a fire on the Black
Hills NF in South Dakota, there were 4 fatalities and 2 serious injuries. This operation
was under operational control of the military and reportable under military statistics.
The other involved a USFS contract airtanker that resulted in 2 fatalities working a BLM
fire on the Utah/Nevada border.
This was the second year in a row that we have not had a reportable accident, last
year was the first year in over 50 years.
This was the third year in a row that the Forest Service has not had a reportable helicopter accident and the first year that they flew over half of all the hours flown.
Forest Service Owned and/or Operated aircraft (O/O) have not had an accident in 9
years, the last accident occurred in December of 2003. There have not been any fatalities in O/O aircraft for 17 years.
The current accident rate of ZERO shows a significant decrease on the trend line for
the last 10-years (pg 8).
SEATS accounted for 1% of the flight hours in 2012. they continue to have the highest 10-year average accident rate (34.31) due to the low number of hours flown.
Airtankers accounted for 4.2% of the flight hours in 2012, the 10-year average accident rate at 4.75.
Contract fixed-wing aircraft accounted for 32.4% of the flight hours, the 10-year accident rate is 2.81. All the fatalities in fixed-wing aircraft in the past 10 years have been
non-fire missions.
Helicopters accounted for just over half of all the hours flown (50.4%) in 2012, the 10year accident rate is 4.91. Even though there has not been a helicopter accident in the
past 3 years, the 10-year average accident rate is the second highest.
Helicopters accounted for 47.8% of the flight hours and 57% of the accidents over the
past 10 years .
The FS had 642 SAFECOM reports, which is above the 10-year average of 587.
4
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
Accomplishments achieved in aviation safety in FY 2012 include the following:
Policy:
✈ Revised the Safety Management System (SMS) Guide and 5720 for standardization
✈ Revised the Exclusive Use (EU) and Call When Needed (CWN) contract specifications
for vendor SMS
✈ Received GSA ICAP - SMS Gold Standard status
✈ Continued participation in the development of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) system safety learning journey
✈ Participated in contract technical evaluation board proposals
✈ Provided input to several guides and handbooks
Risk Management:
✈ Completed strategic risk assessment on aerial supervision, airtankers and tanker bases
✈ Conducted strategic risk assessment for water scoopers
✈ Completed strategic risk assessment on smokejumper operations
Assurance:
✈ Coordinated investigations of multiple Incident With Potential (IWP) events
✈ Participated in rappel program quality assurance oversight
✈ Participated in quality assurance reviews on two aircraft contractors
✈ Conducted Region 9 program review.
✈ Conducted airtanker program system analysis
✈ Participated on aviation safety and technical assistance teams
Safety Promotion:
✈ Conducted 3 SSLAM courses at the McClellan training center
✈ Sponsored 27 scholarships each for six System Safety Leadership and Aviation Management (SSLAM) modules through UC Davis
✈ Published a combined total of 22 Safety Alerts, Technical Bulletins, Lessons Learned, Accident Prevention Bulletins and Information Bulletins
5
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
Safety Promotion (continued):
✈ Published 5 monthly Safety Summaries
✈ Initiated move of Interagency Aviation Training support to the Department
AGLEARN training system
✈ Instructed NIFC safety engagement and multiple risk management sessions nationally
✈ Presented A-200 Aviation Mishap Reviews at several Regional Aviation and Safety
meetings, Helicopter Crewmember, Helicopter Manager and Helibase Manager Courses
✈ SAFECOM Working Group continued to make enhancements to the SAFECOM system based on recommendations from the SAFECOM Survey
✈ Worked with Treasure Valley community college to collaborate on providing SMS training via remote web-based systems to expand training while reducing travel costs
6
Statistical Summary
The USFS flew 81,134 hours in FY 2012 which is above the 10-year average of 72,329
flight hours. The primary mission of Forest Service Aviation is to support natural resource
programs through a variety of means, including, but not limited to:
Aerial delivery of firefighters by parachute, rappel rope, or on site landing
Air tactical command and control
Surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering
Infrared detection & mapping
Aerial delivery of fire retardant and water
Passenger transport for firefighting and resource missions
Administrative flights
Research
Forest rehabilitation
Forest Health Protection (aerial surveys, application and photography)
Law enforcement
Aerial photography
Approximately 180 employees at the Washington Office, Regional Offices and Forest levels
administer the Forest Service aviation program.
The national staff is located in Washington
D.C. and at the National
Interagency Fire Center
in Boise, Idaho. The vast
majority of aviation personnel are located
throughout the regions
providing day-to-day operational oversight and
program guidance.
The Forest Service utilized approximately 520 aircraft in FY 2012. These include government owned and leased, but mostly contracted aircraft. The Forest Service owns and operates 26 aircraft (23 fixed-wing and 3 helicopters) and leases/operates 14 aerial supervision
fixed wing aircraft.
Numerous state agencies and county municipalities operate Forest Service owned aircraft
under the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program. These aircraft are not included in these statistics or mishap data.
7
Statistical Summary
accident rate
USFS Aircraft Accident Rates 1999 to 2008
USFS Aircraft Accident Rates 2003-2012
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
8
8.17
5.21
4.46
4.96
4.46
4.07
3.12
0
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
Accident Rate
0
Trendline
FY 2012 Accident Statistics
Aircraft Type
Hours
Number of
Accidents
Accident
Rate
Number of
Fatalities
Fatality
Rate
Fixed-Wing
26,299
0
0
0
0
Helicopter
40,904
0
0
0
0
3,382
0
0
0
0
821
0
0
0
0
9,728
0
0
0
0
81,134
0
0
0
0
Large Airtanker
(LGAT)
*Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)
USFS Owned and/or
Operated (USFS O/O)
Total
*SEAT – flight hours for SEAT aircraft on USFS lands were obtained from the DOI,
Aviation Management Directorate
8
Statistical Summary
FY 2012 Flight Hour Percentages
4.2%
12.0%
1.0%
50.4%
32.4%
Fixed-Wing
Helicopter
LGAT
USFS O/O
SEAT
10-Year Average of Flight Hour
Percentages 2003-2012
5.8%
10.8%
1.2%
47.8%
34.4%
Fixed-Wing
Helicopter
LGAT
9
USFS O/O
SEAT
Statistical Summary
Average vs Actual Hours Flown for FY 2012
100,000
81,134
72,329
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Average
Actual
Comparison of Average vs 2012
10 Year Average
2012
Comparison
72,329
81,134
+8,805
Number of Accidents
3
0
-3
Number of Fatalities
3.2
0
-3.2
Accident Rate
4.14
0
-4.14
Fatality Rate
4.42
0
-4.42
Hours flown
Average vs Actual for 2012
Average
5
Actual
4
3
4.14
4.42
3
2
3.2
0
Number of Accidents
1
0
0
Accident Rate
10
Number of Fatalities
0
Fatality Rate
0
Statistical Summary
10-Year Flight Hour Statistics
Fiscal
Year
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
10-year
Totals
Averages
Fixed
Wing Helicopter
26,299
40,904
22,846
34,106
15,227
18,707
18,576
26,439
23,600
35,512
29,631
41,571
34,564
39,735
22,521
28,362
22,713
29,885
32,704
50,662
LGAT
3,382
4,550
2,853
3,684
5,010
5,641
6,659
3,682
1,535
5,082
SEAT
821
578
379
781
1,318
628
1,792
674
1,006
765
USFS
O/O
9,728
9,126
7,667
8,056
8,187
8,122
6,898
5,185
7,333
7,607
Total
81,134
71,206
44,833
57,536
73,627
85,593
89,648
60,424
62,472
96,820
248,681
345,883
42,078
8,742
77,909
723,293
24,868
34,588
4,208
874
7,791
72,329
10-Year Accident Rates
Year
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
10-year
Average
# of
Total All
Accidents Aircraft
FixedHelicopter LGAT
Wing
SEAT
USFS
O/O
0
0
2
3
3
7
4
3
5
3
0.00
0.00
4.46
5.21
4.07
8.17
4.46
4.96
8.0
3.12
0.00
0.00
6.56
0.00
4.23
3.37
2.89
4.44
4.4
3.05
0.00
0.00
0.00
7.56
5.63
9.62
7.55
7.05
6.69
3.94
0.00
0.00
35.05
27.14
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
318.47
0.00
0.0
99.4
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
13.69
0.00
3
4.14
2.81
4.91
4.75
34.3
1.28
Accident Rate = Number of accidents divided by the number of hours flown multiplied by 100,000.
11
Statistical Summary
10-Year Fatal Accident and Fatality Rates
Year
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
10-year
Average
Fatal
Accidents
0
0
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
Fatal
Number of
Accident Rate Fatalities
0
0
0
0
4.46
3
3.47
4
1.35
9
1.16
1
2.23
6
1.65
3
3.2
4
1.04
2
1.1
1.52
3.2
Fatality
Rate
0
0
6.69
6.95
12.22
1.16
6.69
4.96
6.4
2.08
4.42
Fatal Accident Rate = Number of fatal accidents divided by the number of hours flown
multiplied by 100,000.
Fatality Rate = Number of fatalities divided by the number of hours flown multiplied
by 100,000.
12
Statistical Summary
Forest Service Aircraft
Accident Statistics in 5-Year Increments
The total number of accidents in 5-year increments shows a steady decline, until the 20012005 period. The total number of fatalities in 5-year increments shows a major decline from
the 80’s to the 70’s. There was a spike in the early 90’s, then dropping in the late 90’s. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities in the periods from 2001-2010 increased. With the
adoption of Safety Management Systems, particularly new risk management processes and
quality assurance programs we have seen a significant decrease in the number of accidents
and fatalities in the last couple of years.
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
85
67
Total Number of Accidents for all aircraft
(5-Year Increments)
60
45
34
41.3
32
28
26
19
17
0
2
01
-2
61
19
5
01
-2
11
20
0
01
-2
06
20
5
00
-2
01
20
0
00
-2
96
19
5
99
-1
91
19
0
99
-1
86
19
5
98
-1
81
19
0
98
-1
76
19
5
97
-1
71
19
0
97
-1
66
19
5
96
-1
61
19
e
ag
er
Av
Total Number of Fatalities for all aircraft
40
(5-Year Increments)
40
35
35
30
30
25
20
15
23
19
21.5
19
15
15
11
8
10
5
0
0
2
01
-2
61
19
5
01
-2
11
20
0
01
-2
06
20
5
00
-2
01
20
0
00
-2
96
19
5
99
-1
91
19
0
99
-1
86
19
5
98
-1
81
19
0
98
-1
76
19
5
97
-1
71
19
0
97
-1
66
19
5
96
-1
61
19
e
ag
er
Av
13
USFS Owned and/or Operated Aircraft
This section of statistics include the 27 Forest Service owned fleet aircraft and 14 leased
Forest Service operated aerial supervision aircraft. The Forest Service owned aircraft accounted for 5,754 flight hours and the 14 leased aerial supervision aircraft flew 3,974 hours
in FY 2012. This was 12% of the total flight hours, which is above the average of 10.8%.
There have not been any accidents since FY 2004 (December 2003) and no fatal accidents
for 17 years in USFS owned aircraft.
USFS Owned and/or Operated 10-Year Statistics
Fatal
# of
Accident Fatal
Fatality
Accident Fatalities
Accidents Rate Accidents
Rate
Rate
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2012
9,728
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2011
9,126
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2010
7,667
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2009
8,056
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2008
8,187
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2007
8,122
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2006
6,898
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2005
5,185
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2004
7,333
1
13.63
0
0.00
0
0.00
2003
7,607
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
Total
Average
77,909
7,791
1
0.1
1.28
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
14
USFS Owned and/or Operated Aircraft
USFS Owned & Operated Hours Flown
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Hours Flown
Trendline
0
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
12
11
10
09
08
07
06
05
04
03
USFS Owned & Operated Accident Rates
16
13.63
14
accident rate
12
10
8
6
4
Accident Rate
Trendline
2
0
0
0
0
0
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
20
06
20
0
08
20
0
07
20
0
05
20
0
0
04
20
03
20
-2
15
Fixed-Wing Aircraft (contract)
Fixed-Wing contract aircraft accounted for 32.4% of the total hours flown in FY 2012; the
10-year average is 34.4 percent. There were 26,299 hours flown in FY 2012, which is
above the 10-year average of 24,868. There have not been any accidents the past two
years, the 20 year average is 0.75 per year.
Fixed-Wing 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Total
Average
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Fatality
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
Rate
26,299
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
22,846
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
15,227
1
6.56
1
6.56
3
19.7
18,576
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
23,600
1
4.23
0
0.00
0
0.00
29,631
1
3.37
0
0.00
0
0.00
34,564
1
2.89
0
0.00
0
0.00
22,521
1
4.44
0
0.00
0
0.00
22,713
1
4.40
1
4.40
3
13.2
32,704
1
3.06
0
0.00
0
0.00
248,681
7
2
6
24,868
0.7
2.81
0.2
0.8
0.6
2.41
Hours
Flown
16
1
Fixed-Wing Aircraft (contract)
Fixed-Wing Hours Flown
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
Hours Flown
20
03
20
20
04
20
05
20
06
07
Trendline
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
20
12
Fixed-Wing Accident Rates
5
4.4
4.5
4.44
4.23
accident rate
4
3.47
3.37
3.5 3.06
2.89
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
Trendline
0
0
0
12
20
Accident Rate
11
20
0.5
0
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
17
Airtankers (contract)
Large Airtankers accounted for 4.2% of the total hours flown in FY 2012; which is below
the 10-year average of 5.8%. Single Engine Airtankers only accounted for 1% of the flight
hours; which is slightly below the average of 1.2%. In a review of airtanker accidents over
the past 50 years, we have seen a significant improvement. In the 10 year period from
1962 through 1971 there were 36 accidents with 16 fatalities, in the past 10 years there
were 5 accidents with 3 fatalities.
All Airtanker 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
Accident
Rate
Accidents
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Total
4,203
5,128
3,232
4,465
6,328
6,269
8,451
4,356
2,541
5,847
50,820
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
5
0.00
0.00
30.94
22.39
0.0
31.9
0.00
0.00
39.35
0.00
Average
5,082
0.5
9.83
18
Fatal
Fatal
Fatality
Accident Fatalities
Accidents
Rate
Rate
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
1
22.39
3
67.18
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
1
3
0.1
1.96
0.3
5.9
Airtankers (contract)
Large Airtanker 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Total
3,382
4,550
2,853
3,684
5,010
5,641
6,659
3,682
1,535
5,082
42,078
4,208
Average
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
1
35.05
0
0.00
0
1
27.14
1
27.14
3
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
1
3
2
0.2
4.75
0.1
2.37
0.3
Fatality
Rate
0.00
0.00
0.00
81.43
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
7.12
Single Engine Airtanker 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Total
821
578
379
781
1,318
628
1,792
674
1,006
765
8,742
Average
874
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
2
318.47
0
0.00
0
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
1
99.4
0
0.00
0
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
0
0
3
0.3
34.31
19
0
0.00
0
Fatality
Rate
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Airtankers (contract)
Airtanker Hours Flown
9000
LGAT
SEAT
ALL AT's
Trendline LGAT
Trendline SEAT
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
Airtanker Accident Rates
350
All AT's
LGAT
SEAT
Trendline All AT's
318.47
300
accident rate
250
200
150
100
99.4
39.35
50
0
0
31.9
0
0
0
0
0
22.39
27.14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
20
0
30.94
35.05
Helicopters (contract)
Helicopters accounted for 50.4% of the flight hours in FY 2012, which is above the 10year average of 47.8%. There were no helicopter accidents, which was the third year in a
row and the first time in over 50 years of three consecutive accident free years. Since 1961
there were only two other years with no helicopter accidents, 1983 and 1995.
Helicopter 10-Year Statistics
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2012
40,904
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2011
34,106
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2010
18,707
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2009
26,439
2
7.56
1
3.78
1
3.78
2008
35,512
2
5.63
1
2.81
9
25.34
2007
41,571
4
9.62
1
2.40
1
2.40
2006
39,735
3
7.55
2
5.03
6
15.01
2005
28,362
2
7.05
1
3.52
3
10.57
2004
29,885
2
6.69
1
3.34
1
3.34
2003
50,662
2
3.95
1
1.97
2
3.95
Total
345,883
17
Average
34,588
1.7
8
4.91
21
0.8
Fatality
Rate
23
2.31
2.3
6.64
Helicopters (contract)
Helicopter Hours Flown
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
Hours Flown
Trendline
0
9.62
10
accident rate
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
Helicopter Accident Rates
12
8
6.69
7.05
7.55
7.56
5.63
6
3.95
4
2
Accident Rate
Trendline
0
0
0
10
20
11
20
12
20
0
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
22
SAFECOM Summary
The SAFECOM system satisfies Federal Aviation Regulations requirements for incident
reporting, but more importantly, it provides management and front line supervisors with
near real time accident prevention information. Armed with data on emerging safety and
effectiveness challenges, operators and management can take appropriate actions before a
mishap occurs.
The following charts trend the Forest Service SAFECOM data submitted to the Interagency SAFECOM database online at https://www.safecom.gov/. In FY 2012 there were 642
Forest Service SAFECOMs submitted, which was above the 10-year average of 587.
There were a total of 1,092 SAFECOMs (642 Forest Service, 358 DOI, 87 State and 5 Other/Unknown/Military/Vendor) submitted to the Interagency SAFECOM database in FY
2012.
The most reported SAFECOMs in FY 2012 were communications (74), engine (68), precautionary landing (37), Chip Light (32), electrical (29), policy deviation (29), mission
equipment (29), and pilot action (28). In an analysis of the past five years, the above subcategories are all in the most reported, with the exception of mission equipment. The number of mission equipment reports has increased in just the past few years, this is due to the
rappel community utilizing the SAFECOM system to report all equipment issues.
Yearly Forest Service SAFECOM Totals
YEAR
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Number of SAFECOM’s
642
522
398
441
594
620
753
516
2004
2003
Total
10 YR Average
494
887
5,867
587
23
SAFECOM Summary
2012 SAFECOMs by Aircraft
Aircraft Type
Number
Fixed Wing
Helicopter
Airtanker
N/A
SEAT
USFS Owned/Operated
Total
135
343
99
29
10
26
642
SAFECOMs by Aircraft Type for 10 Years
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Fixed-Wing
2012
2011
Helicopter
2010
2009
Airtanker
2008
24
2007
USFS Owned
2006
2005
SEAT
2004
2003
SAFECOM Summary
SAFECOMs by Category
The numbers of SAFECOMs by category will be more that the total number of SAFECOMs
reported as each SAFECOM may have more than one category assigned to it. For example
several Incident and Hazard SAFECOMs also have Maintenance SAFECOMs associated
with them.
2012 Percent of SAFECOMs by Category
1.2%
6.8%
25.2%
41.2%
5.1%
20.5%
Accident
Hazard
Incident
Management
Airspace
Mishap Prevention
Maintenance
10-Year Average Percent of SAFECOMs by Category
0.8%
0.3%
7.6%
24.4%
47.0%
1.8%
18.1%
25
SAFECOM Summary
Airspace SAFECOMs by sub-category
There were a total of 55 Airspace SAFECOMs reported this year, which is near the 10-year
average of 51.7. Intrusions (25 reports) accounted for 40% of the reports in this category,
which is slightly below the average. Conflicts (18 reports) accounted for 29% of the Airspace
reports, which is above the average of 23.7. There was only one report, 1.6% classified as a
near mid-air, which is below the average of 5.8%.
2012 Percent of Airspace SAFECOMs
1.6%
14.5%
3.2%
1.6%
29.0%
9.7%
40.3%
Conflict
Intrusion
Other
Route Deviation
Congestion
Near Mid-Air
Procedures
10-Year Average Percent of Airspace SAFECOMs
1.1%
4.3%
5.8%
10.7%
23.7%
8.6%
45.7%
26
SAFECOM Summary
Hazard SAFECOMs by sub-category
Below are charts indicating the top 5 Hazard SAFECOMs reported. Communication
issues are historically and continue to be the most reported hazard. Flight Following
has historically been one of the top 5 reports, but with the addition of mission equipment, it has dropped off this year.
2012 Top 5 Hazards reported
80
70
74
60
50
40
30
29
20
29
28
10
13
0
Communications
M ission Equipment
Pilot Action
Policy Deviation
Preflight Action
Total number of Hazards reported by year
250
245
200
203
193
150
126
100
235
144
139
115
120
2010
2009
137
50
0
2012
2011
2008
27
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
SAFECOM Summary
Incident SAFECOMs by sub-category
Below are the top 5 Incident SAFECOMs reported in 2012 and the total number of Incident SAFECOMs reported for the last 10-years. Precautionary Landings were again the
most reported in this category with most attributed to maintenance problems. Mission
Equipment was the next most reported in this category followed by Dragged Loads, then
Dropped Loads.
2012 Top 5 Incidents reported
40
35
37
30
25
20
22
21
15
16
10
11
5
0
Aircraft Damage
Dragged Load
Dropped Load
Mission Equipment
Precautionary
Landing
Total number of Incidents reported by year
180
160
165
120
161
156
140
127
124
100
125
104
95
80
95
74
60
40
20
0
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
28
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
SAFECOM Summary
Maintenance SAFECOMs by sub-category
Below are the top 7 Maintenance SAFECOMs reported in 2012 and the total number of
maintenance SAFECOMs reported for the last 10-years. Maintenance SAFECOMS accounted for 41.2% of all the USFS SAFECOM reports. Engine maintenance discrepancies continue to be the most reported; there were a total of 68, of which 7 of them were a
total engine failure or required shutdown.
2012 Top 7 Maintenance deficiencies reported
70
68
60
50
40
30
32
29
20
25
10
17
17
17
Avionics
Landing Gear
Oil
0
Engine
Chip Light
Electrical
Hydraluic
Total number of Maintenance deficiencies reported by year
500
450
400
350
300
479
453
334
332
360
297
250
200
209
150
264
239
220
100
50
0
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
29
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
SAFECOM Summary
Forest Service Mishap Prevention
This was a new category added in 2004 to attempt to capture the good things that individuals are doing for mishap prevention. There were more of these events reported this past
year than ever. Most Airwards come from the SAFECOM system under this category.
45
40
35
41
30
29
25
20
15
10
13
12
5
8
7
7
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2
4
0
2006
2005
2004
Forest Service Management
SAFECOM’s by sub-category
Management was also added as a new category in 2004. Below are the SAFECOM reports classified as Management, sub-categorized by internal and external.
12
External
11
10
Internal
9
8
8
6
6
4
5
2
2
3
0
2012
3
2
2
2011
2010
2009
2008
30
1 1
2007
2
1
0 0
2006
2005
2
1
2004
SAFECOM Summary
FY 2012 SAFECOMs by Region
Percent of SAFECOMs by Region
R-8
7%
R-9 R-10
2% 2%
R-1
13%
R-6
13%
R-2
14%
R-5
21%
Region
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
NEA
WO
Total
R-4
15%
WO
0%
R-3
13%
FY 2012 SAFECOMs by Aircraft Type and Region
Fixed- Helicopter Airtanker SEAT
USFS
N/A
Wing
Owned
21
45
9
0
2
7
16
51
12
4
5
1
19
34
24
1
2
6
20
57
4
4
3
6
22
61
38
0
10
4
15
50
10
1
4
5
7
35
1
0
3
0
4
6
0
0
1
0
6
3
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
130
343
99
10
31
29
31
Total
84
89
86
94
135
85
46
11
10
0
2
642
SAFECOM Summary
SAFECOMs by Region
The numbers of SAFECOM’s by category are more than the total number of SAFECOMs
reported as each SAFECOM can have more than one category assigned to it.
FY 2012 SAFECOMs by Category and Region
Region
Accident
Airspace
Hazard
Incident
Maint.
Mgt.
Mishap
Prevention
Total
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
NEA
WO
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
7
10
9
10
4
4
0
1
0
0
55
33
23
28
32
28
24
24
4
7
0
0
203
27
11
13
19
29
40
21
2
3
0
0
165
35
52
43
38
85
44
27
5
2
0
1
332
2
3
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
10
22
7
1
0
4
4
3
0
0
0
0
41
129
103
95
99
156
118
79
12
13
0
2
806
32
Mishap Summary
This was the second year there were no USFS accountable accidents; however, there were
two airtanker accidents that we have strong ties to. A USFS contracted P2V crashed while
working on a BLM fire near the Utah/Nevada border June 3, 2012. An Air National
Guard C-130 operating as an airtanker with a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System
(MAFFS) crashed on the Black Hills NF in South Dakota July 1, 2012. Below are the
NTSB preliminary accident report on the P2V and the results from the Air Mobility Command Accident Investigation Board on the C-130 accident.
NTSB Identification: WPR12GA243
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Sunday, June 03, 2012 in Modena, UT
Aircraft: LOCKHEED P2V-7, registration: N14447
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in
this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. : NTSB investigators
either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this
public aircraft accident report.
On June 3, 2012, at 1347 mountain daylight time, a Lockheed P2V-7, N14447 (using call
sign Tanker 11), collided with mountainous terrain while conducting firefighting operations
20 miles north of Modena, Utah. The airplane was operated by Neptune Aviation Services
under contract with the US Forest Service as a public aerial firefighting flight. Both pilots
were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and a post
crash fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan had been
filed. The flight originated in Cedar City, Utah, at 1315.
While conducting its second retardant drop of the day, Tanker 11 followed behind the lead
airplane into the drop zone. The drop zone was located in a shallow valley that was 0.4
miles wide and 350 feet deep. The lead airplane flew a shallow right-hand turn on to final,
and dropped to an altitude of 150 feet above the valley floor over the intended drop area.
While making the right turn on to final behind the lead plane, Tanker 11 impacted rising
terrain that was about 700 feet left of the lead airplane's flight path.
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command released the results of an Accident Investigation Board involving the death of four Airmen and serious injuries to two others when their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules crashed
July 1 flying in support of a fire-fighting operation in South Dakota.
33
Mishap Summary continued...
The investigation determined the MAFFS C-130 cockpit crew's inadequate assessment of
operational conditions resulted in the aircraft flying into a microburst and impacting the
ground. The report describes a microburst as a severe, localized wind gust, blasting down
from a thunderstorm, typically covering an area less than 2.5 miles in diameter and lasting
less than 5 minutes.
The investigation also determined factors that substantially contributed to the mishap included the failure of the Lead Plane and Air Attack aircrews to communicate critical operational information; as well as conflicting operational guidance concerning thunderstorm
avoidance.
The aircraft was assigned to and flown by members of the 145th Airlift Wing, Air National
Guard, out of Charlotte, N.C. and was flying out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., at the
time of the incident.
Incidents With Potential (IWP)
The Forest Service investigated 8 incidents in 2012 as IWP’s. The table below shows the
basic information. Mishap reports are posted online as they are completed at: http://
www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/assurance/mishaps/index.html.
Date
Aircraft Type
Incident Description
06/03/12
Region/
Forest
R-5 Sequoia NF
Lockheed P2V-7
06/16/12
R-3 Lincoln NF
06/28/12
R-3 Gila NF
Contract Bell 205++ and a
National Guard Blackhawk
Lockheed P2V
Left main landing gear failed to extend for
landing
Near mid-air at uncontrolled airport
07/01/12
R-2 Black Hills
NF
R-2 Grand Mesa/
Uncompahgre/
Gunnison NF
R-5 Mendocino
NF
R-6 Okanogan/
Wenatchee NF
R-6 Wallowa
Whitman NF
07/02/12
09/01/12
09/16/12
09/22/12
Aerospatiale 350-B3
Flew into turbulence and experienced extreme
downdraft, barely escaped terrain
Flew into extreme thunderstorm, barely escaped terrain
Bucket got caught in tree
Sikorsky S-61
Main Rotor Strike
Aero Commander 690
Flew in thunderstorm, extreme turbulence,
pilot injured
Compression stall, main rotor strike while
making emergency landing
Beechcraft King Air E-90
Bell 205 A++
34