Human Error in General Aviation – Why 75% of Accidents Happen to Us Artwork

E3 Aviation

E3 Aviation Association's mission is to Empower, Educate and Entertain the aviation community through a unique online and live membership experience. You'll enjoy a customized, personal experience with the mobile app, member platform, industry product partners, live experiences, and more. Your light sport, general aviation, maintenance, military, or professional aviation world will soar to a whole new level... all while saving money and helping others.

All Episodes

E3 Aviation

Human Error in General Aviation – Why 75% of Accidents Happen to Us

January 23, 2026 • Brian

0:00 | 18:28

In this eye-opening episode of Skyward Safety, host Alex Rivera (CFI with over 10 years of experience) breaks down the harsh reality that human error drives about 75% of general aviation accidents. Drawing from NTSB reports, FAA data, and real-world case studies—including Beechcraft Bonanza spatial disorientation crashes, fuel mismanagement emergencies, and weather decision lapses—we explore common pitfalls like spatial disorientation, fatigue, and get-there-itis. You'll hear practical mitigation strategies: setting personal minimums, using pre-flight risk apps, simulator training for error recovery, and adapting crew resource management for solo pilots. Perfect for student pilots, weekend flyers, aircraft owners, bush pilots, and anyone passionate about safer skies. Trends show promise with tech like AI alerts and better fatigue tracking—learn how to stay ahead and fly smarter. Runtime: ~25 minutes. Fly safe! #AviationSafety #HumanFactors #GAPilots #PilotError #GeneralAviation #FlyingTips #NTSB #FAASafety #AviationPodcast