Landing Flare Accident Reports and Pilot Perception Analysis

Abstract

This study examined flare accident rates and probable causes for improper flares. Measures included the analysis of 6,676 aircraft accident reports published by the National Transportation Safety Board and a 21-item perception questionnaire administered to 134 pilots with varying experience levels. The results revealed relatively high flare accident rates and showed that pilots believed the flare to be more difficult than 9 other standard flight maneuvers. The results also showed that pilots reported experience and instruction as the most important factors for proper flares. This study indicates that those factors are also probable causes for improper flares and discusses how they relate to depth perception.