CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 NICHOLAS MEZZETTI
6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

After an exhaustive training flight in the desert, the crew was pleased with what they accomplished. All that was left was to conduct their before-leaving-the-helicopter checks. What they didn’t know was their biggest mistake of the night was about to occur.

With just four crewmembers present, they started towing the aircraft into the hangar to conduct post-flight checks under better lighting conditions. Suddenly, they heard a loud, grinding noise coming from the left side and announced a halt to inspect the issue. The left-side crew chief, who was blade walking at the time, noticed the problem first. The Aircrew Combat Equipment vest leg strap, which was hanging over the gunner’s window, had been pulled under the wheel and dragged, resulting in a gouge in the tire. Although there was no damage to the vest, the tire had to be replaced.

Towing aircraft is a routine process for most aviators. While this incident could easily be labeled as just a crew mistake, the truth is more complex. This event was a direct result of three human factors seen all too often in aviation mishaps — fatigue, failure to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and time pressure.

Fatigue

Chapter 3 of Training Circular 3-04.93, Aeromedical Training for Flight Personnel, states that “stress and fatigue in flying operations adversely affect mission execution and aviation safety.” This mishap occurred during the last one-third of the duty day. Impaired judgment, slower reaction times and decreased attention to detail were all factors of fatigue that affected the crew while they conducted what should have been a simple task. The crew chief never noticed the leg strap hanging out the window in front of the tire. Neither the brake rider nor the tow driver conducted a walk-around prior to towing the aircraft. Extra precautions must be taken during night operations. Fresh minds and sharp eyes could have prevented this mishap.

Deviation of standards

According to the unit’s SOP, seven people are required to conduct towing operations. This procedure is written to provide awareness around the helicopter and catch issues that could cause a mishap. Everyone else in the unit had gone home for the day, and the crew fell into the mindset of, “We’ve done this a hundred times; we’ll be OK.” The decision to deviate from the standard introduced a hazard that could have been mitigated if the crew followed the SOP. While SOPs may seem overly cautious, they often account for unpredictable risks that have been mitigated through detailed processes.

Time pressure

The last causal factor in this mishap was a rush to complete the job — or “get-home-itis.” After a long flight, postflight checks still needed to be conducted. The crew wanted to get this job done quickly so they could go home. Every aviator has experienced this, and we need to be aware of its effects on decision-making. The crew’s decision to expedite this process led to a failure of basic safety measures, resulting in damage to the helicopter.

Lessons learned

The mishap served as a stark reminder of the dangers of fatigue, deviating from SOPs and rushing to complete a job. This crew allowed fatigue to affect their decision-making. Then, by failing to follow the SOP, they introduced an unforeseen risk into the task of towing the helicopter. Finally, by trying to speed through the postflight inspection so they could get home earlier cost them even more time and effort when they damaged the aircraft tire. Following this mishap, the unit decided that any flight that finished after dark would terminate on a parking pad on the ramp. Implementing this process allows a rested crew, with enough tow team members, to reposition the aircraft under daylight, where they can conduct postflight maintenance checks without feeling rushed.

Army aviation is built on rules and regulations that are put in place for a reason. Aviators must respect the effects of fatigue on their decision-making during every phase of an operation and never let complacency lead to rushed processes. Mishaps can occur anywhere. If you’re tired and feel that cutting corners is a risk you’re willing to accept, slow down and remember to follow the procedures. Your crew, the aircraft and the mission deserve nothing less.