Table of Contents
How to Interpret Data
2
Executive Summary
4
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
5
Statistical Summary
7
USFS Owned and/or Operated Statistics
14
Fixed-Wing (contract) Statistics
16
Airtanker Statistics
18
Helicopter Statistics
21
SAFECOM Summary
23
Mishap Summary
33
How to interpret data within this report
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
2
How to interpret data within this report



Aircraft Categories:

USFS Owned and Operated which includes the 23 fleet aircraft (20 fixed-wing
and 3 helicopter) and 14 leased fixed-wing aircraft.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft (contract), this includes all contract fixed-wing, excluding all
airtankers.

Helicopters includes all types, including tanked helicopters also referred to as
helitankers.

Large Airtankers include all multi-engine including the Very Large Airtankers.

SEAT’s are Single Engine Airtankers, the USFS only has one on contract through
DOI-OAS, however the hours are obtained from DOI-OAS for all SEAT’s that
flew on USFS missions.
Mishap Definitions

Aircraft Accident: An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft
which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and the time all such persons have disembarked, and in which any
person suffers death or serious injury or in which the aircraft receives substantial
damage. During a jump sequence, a Forest Service smokejumper is considered to
have safely disembarked the aircraft after detaching from the static line from the
parachute deployment system and when the parachute canopy has successfully
deployed. (Refer to 14 CFR NTSB 830 for definition of reportable accidents)

Aircraft Incident with Potential: An "in-flight incident" that narrowly misses being an accident by NTSB definition and circumstances involve some aircraft damage, property damage, or minor injury to crew or passengers. Classification of
Incidents with Potential is determined by the US Forest Service, Branch of Risk
Management.
Operational Control is defined as the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting,
or terminating a flight (14 CFR Part 1.1). This includes direct management oversight,
supervision and accountability for a specific task, mission or assignment.

Forest Service fleet aircraft or aircraft on contract to the USFS that have a mishap
while under operational control of another agency (ie BLM, NPS, State, etc.) are
not USFS reportable mishaps but that of the agency with operational control.

Cooperator aircraft (fleet and contract) under operational control of the USFS that
have a mishap are USFS reportable mishaps and are included in these statistics.

Military aircraft remain under the operational control of the military even while
supporting USFS operations.
3
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 had one accident in 2014, ending the zero accident run of the previous
three years.
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 and HAI 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 safety and compliance audits, 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.
The Branch of Aviation Risk Management monitors safety data, hazard reports and mishaps in its effort to identify hazardous trends. The SAFECOM system is a proactive method that monitors and corrects safety issues and shares lessons learned.
4
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
Accomplishments achieved in aviation safety in FY 2014 include the following:
Policy:
✈ Revised the Safety Management System (SMS) Guide
✈ Participated in the FSM 5700 rewrite
✈ Provided input to several guides and handbooks
✈ Participated in the revision of the National Aviation Safety Management Plan
Risk Management:
✈ Instructed multiple risk management sessions nationally
✈ Participated in Change Management Plan for new C-23 aircraft
✈ Completed action Plan of the Aerial Supervision Risk Assessment
✈ Participated in Change Management Plan and Risk Assessment on changing from Round
Parachutes to Square Parachutes for the Smokejumper Program
✈ Participated in Simultaneous Loading and Fueling risk assessment for new Airtankers
Assurance:
✈ Coordinated investigations of one accident, two Incidents With Potential (IWP) and multiple other Facilitated Analysis and Peer Reviews.
✈ Revised and strengthened the Exclusive Use (EU) and Call When Needed (CWN) contract specifications for vendor SMS
✈ Participated in contract technical evaluation board proposals
✈ Participated on aviation safety and technical assistance teams
✈ Participated in quality assurance reviews
Safety Promotion:
✈ Hired New Branch Chief, Aviation Safety Management Systems
✈ Published 4 monthly SAFECOM Summaries
✈ Published a combined total of 17 Safety Alerts, Technical Bulletins, Lessons Learned, Accident Prevention Bulletins and Information Bulletins
5
Aviation Safety Accomplishments
Safety Promotion (continued):
✈ Presented A-200 Aviation Mishap Reviews at several Regional Aviation and Safety
meetings, Helicopter Crewmember, Helicopter Manager and Helibase Manager Courses
✈ Added a mobile accessible SAFECOM page for users to access the system via smart
phones and tablets.
✈ Provided SMS scholarships to Treasure Valley community college, 4 students graduated
from the program and an additional 18 are completing courses.
6
Statistical Summary
The USFS flew 57,483 hours in FY 2014 which well below the 10-year average of 69,149
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 200 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 500 aircraft in FY 2014. These include government owned and leased, but mostly contracted aircraft. The Forest Service owns and operates 23 aircraft (20 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 2005-2014
8.17
4.96 4.46
4.07
5.21
4.46
1.73
0
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
14
13
12
11
10
09
08
07
06
05
Accident Rate
0
20
0
20
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Trendline
The trend line for the last 10-years shows a significant decrease with three years of a ZERO
accident rate. The Forest Service had one accident in 2014 and two Incidents With Potential.
FY 2014 Accident Statistics
Aircraft Type
Hours
Number of
Accidents
Accident
Rate
Number of
Fatalities
Fatality
Rate
Fixed-Wing
17,910
0
0
0
0
Helicopter
27,769
0
0
0
0
Large Airtanker
3,405
1
29.36
0
0
(LGAT)
*Single Engine Air505
0
0
0
0
tanker (SEAT)
USFS Owned and/or
7,894
0
0
0
0
Operated (USFS O/O)
*SEATTotal
– flight hours for SEAT57,483
aircraft on USFS
lands were
1
1.73 obtained 0from the DOI,0
Aviation Management Directorate
8
Statistical Summary
FY 2014 Flight Hour Percentages
5.9%
13.7%
48.3%
0.9%
31.2%
Fixed-Wing
Helicopter
LGAT
USFS O/O
SEAT
10-Year Average of Flight Hour
Percentages 2005-2014
6.0%
11.5%
1.2%
47.4%
33.9%
Fixed-Wing
Helicopter
LGAT
9
USFS O/O
SEAT
Statistical Summary
Average vs Actual Hours Flown for FY 2014
80,000
69,149
57,483
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Average
Actual
Comparison of Average vs 2014
10 Year Average
2014
Comparison
69,149
57,483
-11,666
Number of Accidents
2.3
1
-1.3
Number of Fatalities
2.6
0
-2.6
Accident Rate
3.32
0
-3.32
Fatality Rate
3.76
0
-3.76
Hours flown
In the past 10 years there have been 23 accidents; of which 8 were fatal accidents with a total of 26 fatalities. The good news is that we have not had a fatal accident in the past 4
years.
Average vs Actual for 2014
Average
4
Actual
3
3.32
2.3
1.73
1
Number of Accidents
2
3.76
2.6
1
0
Accident Rate
10
Number of Fatalities
0
Fatality Rate
0
Statistical Summary
10-Year Flight Hour Statistics
Fiscal
Year
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
10-year
Totals
Averages
Fixed
Wing Helicopter
17,910
27,769
22,972
34,860
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
LGAT
3,405
2,966
3,382
4,550
2,853
3,684
5,010
5,641
6,659
3,682
SEAT
505
534
821
578
379
781
1,318
628
1,792
674
USFS
O/O
7,894
8,672
9,728
9,126
7,667
8,056
8,187
8,122
6,898
5,185
Total
57,483
70,004
81,134
71,206
44,833
57,536
73,627
85,593
89,648
60,424
234,146
327,965
41,832
8,010
79,535
691,488
23,415
32,797
4,183
801
7,954
69,149
10-Year Accident Rates
Year
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
10-year
Average
# of
Total All
Accidents Aircraft
FixedHelicopter LGAT
Wing
SEAT
USFS
O/O
1
0
0
0
2
3
3
7
4
3
1.73
0.00
0.00
0.00
4.46
5.21
4.07
8.17
4.46
4.96
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
6.56
0.00
4.23
3.37
2.89
4.44
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
7.56
5.63
9.62
7.55
7.05
29.36
0.00
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
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2.3
3.32
2.13
3.96
7.17
24.96
0.00
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
Fatal
Accidents
Fatal
Number of
Accident Rate Fatalities
Fatality
Rate
2014
0
0
0
0
2013
0
0
0
0
2012
0
0
0
0
2011
0
0
0
0
2010
1
4.46
3
6.69
2009
2
3.47
4
6.95
2008
1
1.35
9
12.22
2007
1
1.16
1
1.16
2006
2
2.23
6
6.69
2005
1
1.65
3
4.96
10-year
Average
.8
1.16
2.6
3.76
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 60’s to the mid 70’s. There was a spike in the early 2000’s, then dropping in 2011 to
“zero” for this latest 5 year increment. 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 few of years.
Total Number of Accidents for all aircraft
(5-Year Increments)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
85
67
60
45
34
38
32
28
26
19
17
1
4
01
5
01
0
01
5
00
0
00
5
99
0
99
5
98
0
98
5
97
0
97
5
96
-2
61
19
-2
11
20
-2
06
20
-2
01
20
-2
96
19
-1
91
19
-1
86
19
-1
81
19
-1
76
19
-1
71
19
-1
66
19
-1
61
19
ge
ra
ve
A
Total Number of Fatalities for all aircraft
(5-Year Increments)
40
40
35
35
30
30
23
25
19
22
19
20
15
15
15
11
8
10
5
0
0
19
15
10
05
00
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
12
0
-2
0
-2
0
-2
0
-2
9
-1
9
-1
9
-1
9
-1
9
-1
9
-1
9
-1
0
-2
11
06
01
96
91
86
81
76
71
66
61
61
20
20
20
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
a
er
Av
ge
13
USFS Owned and/or Operated Aircraft
This includes the 23 Forest Service owned fleet aircraft and 14 leased Forest Service operated aerial supervision aircraft. The Forest Service owned aircraft accounted for 4,553
flight hours and the 14 leased aerial supervision aircraft flew 3,341 hours in FY 2014. This
was 13.7% of the total flight hours, which is above the average of 11.5%. There have not
been any accidents in the past 10 years and no fatal accidents for 19 years in USFS O/O
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
2014
7,894
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2013
8,672
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
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
Total
Average
79,535
7,954
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
14
USFS Owned and/or Operated Aircraft
USFS O/O Hours Flown
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Hours Flown
Trendline
0
13
20
14
20
0
0
12
20
13
20
14
20
12
20
0
11
20
11
20
0
10
20
10
20
0
09
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
0
USFS O/O Accident Rates
1
0.9
accident rate
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
Accident Rate
Trendline
0.3
0.2
0
0
0
0
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
0.1
0
15
Fixed-Wing Aircraft (contract)
Fixed-Wing contract aircraft accounted for 31.2% of the total hours flown; the 10-year average is 33.9%. There were 17,910 hours flown, which is well below the 10-year average of
23,415. There have not been any accidents in four years, the 10-year accident rate is 2.13
with 5 accidents. Fixed-Wing contract aircraft account for 22% of all the accidents and
11% of all the fatalities in the past 10 years.
Fixed-Wing 10-Year Statistics
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Fatality
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
Rate
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
Accidents
2014
17,910
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2013
22,972
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2012
26,299
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2011
22,846
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2010
15,227
1
6.56
1
6.56
3
19.7
2009
18,576
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2008
23,600
1
4.23
0
0.00
0
0.00
2007
29,631
1
3.37
0
0.00
0
0.00
2006
34,564
1
2.89
0
0.00
0
0.00
2005
22,521
4.44
0
3
0.00
234,146
0
1
0.00
Total
1
5
Average
23,415
0.5
2.13
0.1
0.42
0.3
1.28
16
Fixed-Wing Aircraft (contract)
Fixed-Wing Hours Flown
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
Hours Flown
Trendline
0
20
05
20
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
Fixed-Wing Accident Rates
6
accident rate
5
4.44
4.23
4
3.47
3.37
2.89
3
2
1
Accident Rate
Trendline
0
0
0
0
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
20
0
0
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
17
Airtankers (contract)
Large Airtankers accounted for 5.9% of the total hours flown; which is very close to the
10-year average of 6.0%. Single Engine Airtankers only accounted for 0.9% of the flight
hours; which is below the average of 1.2%. We have seen a significant decrease in airtanker accidents since the 1960’s; however, in the past 10 years there have still been 5 accidents with 3 fatalities. Airtankers account for 22% (Large Airtankers 13% and SEAT’s
9%) of all the accidents in the past 10 years. Large Airtankers account for 12% of all the
fatalities in the past 10 years.
All Airtankers 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2014
Fatal
Fatal
Fatality
Accident Fatalities
Accidents
Rate
Rate
0
0.00
0
0.00
Accidents
Accident
Rate
1
25.57
2013
3,910
3,500
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2012
4,203
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2011
5,128
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2010
3,232
1
30.94
0
0.00
0
0.00
2009
4,465
1
22.39
1
22.39
3
67.18
2008
6,328
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
0.00
2007
6,269
2
31.9
0
0.00
0
0.00
2006
8,451
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2005
4,356
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
Total
49,842
5
Average
4,984
0.5
1
10.03
18
0.1
3
2.0
0.3
6.01
Airtankers (contract)
Large Airtanker 10-Year Statistics
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Total
3,405
2,966
3,382
4,550
2,853
3,684
5,010
5,641
6,659
3,682
41,832
Average
4,183
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
1
29.36
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
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
1
3
3
0.3
7.17
0.1
2.39
0.3
Fatality
Rate
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
81.43
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
7.17
Single Engine Airtanker 10-Year Statistics
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accidents
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
2014
505
2013
534
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2012
821
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2011
578
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2010
379
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2009
781
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2008
1,318
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2007
628
2
318.47
0
0.00
0
0.00
2006
1,792
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
0.00
2005
674
0
0.0
0
0.00
0
0.00
Total
8,010
801
2
0.2
Average
0
24.96
19
0
Fatality
Rate
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
Airtankers (contract)
Airtanker Hours Flown
9000
8000
LGAT
7000
SEAT
ALL AT's
Trendline LGAT
Trendline SEAT
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
14
13
12
11
10
09
08
07
06
05
Airtanker Accident Rates
350
318.47
300
accident rate
250
All AT's
LGAT
SEAT
Trendline All AT's
200
150
100
31.9
50
0
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
20
20
0
20
20
14
13
12
11
10
09
08
07
06
05
20
0
0
20
0
25.57
29.36
20
0
35.05
20
0
30.94
20
0
20
0
22.39
27.14
Helicopters (contract)
Helicopters accounted for 48.3% of the flight hours, which is above the 10-year average of
47.4%. There were no helicopter accidents again this year making it 5 years in a row
without an accident . Even without having any accidents for the past 5 years, helicopters
still account for 56% of all the accidents and 77% of the fatalities over the past 10 years.
The 10-year accident rate for Helicopters is 3.96, with 13 accidents and 20 fatalities.
Helicopter 10-Year Statistics
Fatal
Accident
Fatal
Accident Fatalities
Rate
Accidents
Rate
Fiscal
Year
Hours
Flown
Accidents
2014
27,769
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
2013
34,860
0
0.00
0
0.00
0
0.00
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
Total
327,965
13
Average
32,797
1.3
6
3.96
21
0.6
Fatality
Rate
20
1.82
2
6.09
Helicopters (contract)
Helicopter Hours Flown
45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
Hours Flown
5000
Trendline
0
9.62
10
accident rate
14
20
13
20
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
Helicopter Accident Rates
12
87.05
7.56
7.55
5.63
6
4
Accident Rate
2
Trendline
0
0
0
0
0
0
14
20
13
20
12
20
11
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
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 2014 there were 419
Forest Service SAFECOMs submitted, which is well below the 10-year average of 537.
There were a total of 754 SAFECOMs (419 Forest Service, 278 DOI, 49 State and 8 Other/Unknown/Military/Vendor) submitted to the Interagency SAFECOM database in FY
2014.
The most reported USFS SAFECOMs in FY 2014 were communications (56), precautionary landing (45), engine (37), hazard - mission equipment (29), chip light (21), maintenance
- mission equipment (20), policy deviation (19), and electrical (18).
Forest Service 10-Year SAFECOM Totals
YEAR
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Total
10 YR Average
Number of SAFECOM’s
419
465
642
522
398
441
594
620
753
516
5,370
537
23
SAFECOM Summary
2014 SAFECOMs by Aircraft
Aircraft Type
Number
Fixed Wing
Helicopter
Airtanker
N/A
SEAT
USFS Owned/Operated
Total
71
243
60
10
6
29
419
SAFECOMs by Aircraft Type for 10 Years
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Fixed-Wing
2014
2013
Helicopter
2012
2011
Airtanker
2010
24
2009
USFS Owned
2008
2007
SEAT
2006
2005
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.
2014 Percent of SAFECOMs by Category
2% 0% 6%
25%
38%
6%
23%
Accident
Hazard
Incident
Management
Airspace
Mishap Prevention
Maintenance
10-Year Average Percent of SAFECOMs by Category
1%
0%
7%
25%
45%
3%
19%
25
SAFECOM Summary
Airspace SAFECOMs by sub-category
There were a total of 35Airspace SAFECOMs reported this year, which below the 10-year average of 46. Intrusions (6 reports) accounted for 14% of the reports in this category, which is
considerably down from the average of 42%. Conflicts (16 reports) accounted for 39%, which
is above the average of 26%. Procedural issues (9 reports) were up to 22% this year compared
to the average of 12%. There was one near mid-air event investigated as an IWP, which is below the 10 year average of 2.4 reports.
2014 Percent of Airspace SAFECOMs
2%
22%
39%
7%
2%
14%
14%
Conflict
Near Mid-Air
Route Deviation
Congestion
Other
Intrusion
Procedures
10-Year Average Percent of Airspace SAFECOMs
4%
1%
12%
26%
5%
10%
42%
26
SAFECOM Summary
Hazard SAFECOMs by sub-category
There were a total of 148 Hazard SAFECOMs reported. Below are charts indicating
the top 5 Hazard SAFECOMs reported and the number of Hazard SAFECOMs for the
past 10 years. The top 5 sub-categories are similar to the last few years, however the
sub-category Instructions overtook Preflight Action this year. Communication issues
are historically and continue to be the most reported hazard, accounting for 38% of the
Hazard SAFECOMs reported in 2014.
2014 Top 5 Hazards reported
60
56
50
40
30
27
20
22
19
10
13
0
Communications
Policy Deviation
Mission Equipment
Pilot Action
Instructions
Total number of Hazards reported by year
250
245
200
189
150
203
193
148
144
139
126
115
120
2010
2009
100
50
0
2014
2013
2012
2011
27
2008
2007
2006
2005
SAFECOM Summary
Incident SAFECOMs by sub-category
There were a total of 133 Incident SAFECOMs reported. Below are the top 5 Incident
SAFECOMs reported 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 Dropped Loads, Aircraft Damage and Ground Damage.
2013 Top 5 Incidents reported
45
45
40
35
30
29
25
20
15
15
10
11
8
5
0
Ground Damage
Aircraft Damage
Dropped Load
Mission Equipment
Precautionary
Landing
Total number of Incidents reported by year
180
160
165
140
120
133
156
143
127
124
100
125
104
95
80
74
60
40
20
0
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
28
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
SAFECOM Summary
Maintenance SAFECOMs by sub-category
There were a total of 216 maintenance SAFECOMs reported. Below are the top 8
Maintenance SAFECOMs reported and the total number of maintenance SAFECOMs
reported for the last 10-years. Maintenance SAFECOMS accounted for 38% of all the
USFS SAFECOM reports. Engine maintenance discrepancies continue to be the most
reported; there were a total of 37, of which 5 of them were a engine failure or required
shutdown.
2014 Top 8 Maintenance deficiencies reported
40
35
37
30
25
20
21
20
15
18
16
10
15
13
13
Caution
Light
Instrument
5
0
Engine
Chip Light
Mission
Equipment
Electrical
Avionics
Fuel
Total number of Maintenance deficiencies reported by year
500
450
453
400
350
332
300
250
200
216
223
2014
2013
334
297
209
360
264
239
150
100
50
0
2012
2011
2010
29
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
SAFECOM Summary
Forest Service Mishap Prevention
Mishap Prevention is a category to recognize the good things folks are doing in aviation.
Most Airwards come from the SAFECOM system under this category.
50
50
45
40
41
35
36
30
29
25
20
15
10
13
12
5
7
7
8
2007
2006
4
0
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2005
Forest Service Management
Below are the SAFECOM reports classified as Management, sub-categorized by internal
and external.
16
External
16
14
Internal
12
11
10
10
8
9
8
6
4
11
5
4
2
3
0
2014
1
2
2013
2012
2011
3
2
2010
30
2009
2
2
2008
1 1
1
2007
2006
2
1
2005
2004
SAFECOM Summary
FY 2013 SAFECOMs by Region
Percent of SAFECOMs by Region
R-8
6%
R-9 R-10
2% 1%
R-1
9%
R-2
6%
R-3
10%
R-6
26%
WO
0%
R-4
NEA 9%
0%
R-5
31%
FY 2013 SAFECOMs by Aircraft Type and Region
Region
FixedWing
Helicopter
Airtanker
SEAT
USFS
Owned
N/A
Total
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
NEA
WO
Total
7
2
8
9
15
22
2
2
4
0
0
71
20
2
11
19
88
76
24
2
1
0
0
243
2
0
12
6
30
9
1
0
0
0
0
60
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
6
2
2
2
3
6
6
2
4
1
1
0
29
1
1
1
2
2
1
0
2
0
0
0
10
33
7
34
40
143
116
29
10
6
1
0
419
31
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 2013 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
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
2
4
12
10
5
0
0
0
0
35
16
5
8
15
46
33
18
3
3
1
0
148
19
0
11
6
35
48
12
2
1
0
0
134
13
2
17
21
74
64
19
2
4
0
0
216
3
1
0
0
1
5
0
3
0
0
0
13
0
19
1
0
10
1
1
4
0
0
0
36
53
27
39
46
179
161
55
14
8
1
0
583
32
Mishap Summary
The Forest Service investigated one accident and two incidents in 2014 as IWP’s. The table
below shows the basic information. For additional information review the A-200 Mishap
Review on the Interagency Aviation Training website at www.iat.gov
Date
Aircraft Type
Incident Description
06/15/14
Region/
Forest
R-5 Sierra NF
Lockheed P2V (Accident)
05/21/14
R-3 Coconino NF
Sikorsky CH-54 (IWP)
Hydraulic Failure, nose wheel collapse
SAFECOM 14-286
Tail Rotor Strike SAFECOM 14-227
07/12/14
R-5 Sequoia NF
Lockheed C-130 &
Lockheed P2V-7 (IWP)
Near Mid-Air SAFECOM 14-0427
NTSB Preliminary Report—NTSB Identification: WPR14TA248
Accident occurred Sunday, June 15, 2014 in Fresno, CA
Aircraft: LOCKHEED SP 2H, registration: N4692A
14 CFR Public Use - Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
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
may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various
sources to prepare this public aircraft accident report.
On June 15, 2014, about 2044 Pacific daylight time, a Lockheed SP-2H, N4692A, was substantially damaged when the nose wheel landing gear collapsed during landing roll at the
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), Fresno, California. The airplane was registered to Minden Air Corporation, Minden, Nevada, and operated as Tanker 48 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forestry Service, as a public use flight. The
airline transport pilot (ATP) rated captain and the ATP rated first officer were not injured.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was filed for the local
fire fighting flight. The flight originated from Porterville Municipal Airport (PTV), Porterville, California, at 1934.
The captain reported that following an uneventful aerial drop, the flight was returning to
PTV. During the descent check, he noticed that the hydraulic pressure indicated 0 and that
the first officer subsequently verified that the sight gauge for the main hydraulic fluid reservoir was empty. The first officer opened the jet engine doors successfully as the captain selected gear down with no response. The captain notified base personnel at PTV of the situation and informed them that they would be orbiting to the east of the airport to troubleshoot. The captain and first officer performed the emergency checklist, and extended the
nose wheel landing gear successfully. The captain stated that the first officer then installed
the pin to the nose wheel landing gear as part of the emergency checklist.
33
Mishap Summary
The flight diverted to FAT due to a longer runway and emergency resources as both pilots
briefed the no-flap landing procedure, airspeeds, and approach profile. As the flight continued toward FAT, the flight crew informed Fresno Approach Control of the hydraulic system failure and continued to perform the emergency gear extension checklist. The first officer extended the main landing gear using the emergency gear release, which resulted in
three down and locked landing gear indications in the cockpit. As the flight neared FAT,
the first officer added two gallons of hydraulic fluid to the main hydraulic reservoir while
the captain attempted to extend the flaps unsuccessfully. Subsequently, the flight landed on
runway 26R. During the landing roll, the nose wheel landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest nose low.
Examination of the airplane by representatives from the Forest Service revealed that the forward portion of the fuselage was structurally damaged. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
34