This volume contains a collection of case studies of mishaps involving experimental aircraft, aerospace vehicles, and spacecraft in which human factors played a significant role. In all cases the engineers involved, the leaders and managers, and the operators (i.e., pilots and astronauts) were supremely qualified and by all accounts superior performers. Such accidents and incidents rarely resulted from a single cause but were the outcome of a chain of events in which altering at least one element might have prevented disaster. As such, this work is most certainly not an anthology of blame. It is offered as a learning tool so that future organizations, programs, and projects may not be destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. These lessons were learned at high material and personal costs and should not be lost to the pages of history.

Breaking the Mishap Chain: Human Factors Lessons Learned from Aerospace Accidents and Incidents in Research, Flight Test, and Deveopment

Engineering & Transportation

Peter W. Merlin

Transportation

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

"The Lockheed Blackbirds hold a unique place in the development of aeronautics. In their day, the A-12, YF-12, M-21, D-21, and SR-71 variants outperformed all other jet airplanes in terms of altitude and speed. Now retired, they remain the only production aircraft capable of sustained Mach 3 cruise and operational altitudes above 80,000 feet. This is the first book to address the technical aspects of these incredible aircraft. The author describes the design evolution of the Blackbird, from the Archangel to the Senior Crown (the Air Forceís SR-71.) He describes in detail the construction and materials challenges faced by Lockheed, as well as the Blackbirdís performance characteristics and capabilities. A NASA historian, the author describes NASAís role in using the aircraft as a flying laboratory to collect data on materials, structures, loads, heating, aerodynamics, and performance for high-speed aircraft. The reader will benefit from the bookís discussion of the technical and programmatic lessons learned. This volume was produced in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration."

From Archangel to Senior Crown: Design and Development of the Blackbird (Library of Flight)

History

Military

Amer Inst of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Crash Course: Lessons Learned from Accidents Involving Remotely Piloted and Autonomus Aircraft

This 2011 NASA title discusses the challenge &amp; emerging means of preventing 'incidents' as a result of flawed operationl protocols.

Breaking the Mishap Chain

NASA

Publication on aeronautical research by NASA.

New Twist in Flight Research : The F-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing Project