Controlled Substances & Mental Health Impacts on Aviation Safety – Episode 291

John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith discuss the details of a fatal R44 helicopter crash in Australia that involved a pilot who had been drinking and had suspected mental health issues. The pilot took off without permission and made several low-level passes over the city before crashing into a hotel.

The ATSB accident investigation report included a detailed analysis of the flight and of the helicopter wreckage, but didn’t provide details as to the level of the pilot’s intoxication, the pilot’s mental fitness or witness statements that may have shed some light on the pilot’s state of mind.

Greg discusses how flight instructors evaluate their students for changes in personality that may be a sign of an underlying problem. John shared his own experiences with maintenance professionals whose personal issues impacted their work.

They examine this accident to understand how mental health issues may lead to behaviors that cause crashes. Investigations that look at effects of alcohol and other substances and what pilots did in the 72 hours leading up to an event can provide critical insight.

The episode ends with a call to action: friends and coworkers should ask anyone they know who seems to be struggling about how they are doing and give them a chance to talk. And, if the situation gets worse, do what you must do to keep that person safe.

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Resources:

ATSB Aviation Occurrence Investigation Final Report AO-2024-046