4th-Quarter Aviation Spike

A 2020 study conducted by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center showed overall aviation mishaps spiked during the fourth quarter (July-September) between fiscal years 2015-2019.

Overall, the cause of this spike is a myriad of factors that combine to produce a complex, challenging flight environment, including leadership turnover from nonrated crewmembers through all levels of command due to the summer permanent change of station (PCS) season; extremely harsh environmental factors that degrade both crew and aircraft performance; and extended daylight/fewer dark hours, creating a large shift in crew duty days/limited training time. This campaign builds upon the success of 2020’s communications effort, which helped aviation leaders and crews reduce fourth-quarter Class A mishaps to near zero.

This year’s tools and resources are updated and driven by recent USACRC-led aviation safety investigations. For more information or to provide feedback, please email: usarmy.rucker.hqda-secarmy.list.safe-pao@mail.mil.