Aircraft Accident Investigation for Flight Surgeons

USAF flight surgeons are frequently called upon to serve as the medical member of aircraft accident investigation boards. Although training for this function is received at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, expertise comes only with participation in real accident investigation board proceedings. This review was written for the benefit, primarily, of novice flight surgeons who have already received their basic training but who have had little or no practical experience in the field. It was written with three purposes uppermost in mind: (1) to provide the flight surgeon with a practical guide to aircraft accident investigation; (2) to suggest a style of completing AF Form 711gA (Life Sciences Report of an Individual Involved in an AF Accident/Incident); and (3) to provide the flight surgeon with references relating to aircraft accident investigation.