Air accidents and disasters are often attributed to 'pilot error'. The author argues that such 'blamism' may obscure the underlying cause(s) of a disaster, as errors can also be induced through bad design, poor training, unrealistic rosters, sub-standard maintenance and other factors totally outside the control of the flight crew.

This book combines systems theory with research data and case studies and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the aetiology of air disasters.

'Invaluable... a well-written piece of specialist research.' - Dr. Michael Reddy, Chairman of Independent Counselling and Advisory Services Limited

'[Simon] Bennett has put together an interesting set of arguments .. This book [will] have a relevance to a broad, multidisciplinary readership.' - Professor Dennis Smith, Sheffield University Business School, UK

'It makes interesting reading for pilots and lay persons concerned about the human factors element of aircraft accidents.' - First Officer Peter Griffiths, Boeing 737 Pilot

PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Structure and Method
Received Wisdom
The Challenge
A Systemic Approach to Understanding 'Human Error'
PART 2: CASE STUDIES
Introduction
The Convair B-58 Accident
The de Havilland Comet 1 Accident
The Munich Air Disaster
The Air Canada 'Super 63' Disaster
The Trident Disaster
The MALEV Mystery
Conclusion
PART 3: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
The B-58 Hustler Accident
The Comet 1 Accident
The Munich Air Disaster
The Air Canada DC-8 Disaster
The Trident Disaster
The MALEV Reforms
Conclusions

SIMON BENNETT is the Director of the distance learning MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management at the Department of Criminology (formerly the Scarman Centre), University of Leicester, UK. His research interests include the socio-technical aspects of technological failure and symbolic loading.