The authors briefly discuss aviation accidents from a historical perspective (Chapter 1), and argue that various frameworks that have been proposed to analyze aviation accidents can be grouped or categorized into six different perspectives, each of which has various strengths and weaknesses (Chapter 2). The authors then discuss the model of accident causation developed by James Reason, consider the strengths and limitations of Reason's accident model, and describe the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) which was developed to apply Reason's accident model to accident investigation and analysis (Chapter 3). The authors use three commercial aviation accidents as case studies to illustrate how the HFACS can be used as an investigative and analytical tool (Chapter 4). The authors then discuss how the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have used HFACS to improve the safety of their aviation, and argue that general, nonmilitary aviation needs to improve its efforts at aviation safety (Chapter 5). The authors also acknowledge the need for validating any framework used to investigate and analyze aviation accidents, discuss how such a validation could be performed, and use HFACS to illustrate how the validation process can work (Chapter 6). Finally, the authors address several questions that critics might raise about HFACS (Chapter 7).
The book advocates the HFACS model for investigating and analyzing aviation accidents. But, that advocacy does not detract from its value. The book is interesting, informative, and thought-provoking, regardless of whether the reader accepts or rejects the authors' arguments for HFACS, in whole or in part.
Although the book discusses technical matters, it does so in a way that an educated layperson can understand. This book could be of interest to a variety of people besides aviation accident investigators. Although the book focuses on aviation accidents, it could be useful to professionals who investigate and analyze non-aviation accidents. Lawyers and law enforcement personnel who deal with cases involving accidents might find it useful and informative. It also could be helpful to educate and inform elected officials and government personnel who need to address political or governmental issues triggered by, or arising out of, accidents. Business owners and managers interested in understanding and reducing accidents in their companies or industries should consider taking a look at this book to get a different perspective.
