A recent (now closed ) thread contained a block graph purporting to show the causes of aircraft accidents and apportioning the majority to 'pilot error'. While it is arguable that that term is applicable in a number of cases, it is also a 'catch-all' get-out for AAIB et al to cover 'cause not known' incidents, It is, for instance, arguable that the recent 737 Max 8 tragedies were 'pilot error' in that they failed to control an aircraft, fully serviceable apart from one designed-in anomaly. It is an area which requires more than usual caution in coming to conclusions.

Just a note for S O Ds graphic title writer – Woodworkers are possibly dangerous creatures but their tools (planes) are relatively safe. AEROplanes, (or aircraft) however, can be a different kettle of fish.

rgds

Bill

Vic – the accident you refer to was a function of something which is not limited to flyght crew. Car drivers experience similar; if you make the same journey many times, how often do you suddenly reakise that you cannot recall bits of the journey? It's the repetition trick. If you do something over and over again, after a while it becomes automatic and you see and do what you want to see and do without conscious thought. When you do the pre-start/taxi/takeoff checks day-in, day-out and the panels are always correctly set, it takes a mighty effort of will to recognise something out of kilter. Oddly, I suppose that one answer would be for the engineers to deliberately misposiyion the switches/ circuit breakers etc. on every turn round … not very practical!

The actual solution is a complete, undeviating adherence to check lists – nothing from memory! That's a mantra that stays with me,having nearly ended in the undershoot of an Eastern airport with a Captain who "can't be bothered with those things"

rgds

Bill