Modern jet aircraft are placing great demands on human abilities and limitations as indicated in the jet fighter accidents analyzed in this report. The purpose of this report is: to acquaint all personnel concerned with the kinds and frequencies of pilot errors or unsafe acts ascribed to rated pilots in jet fighter accidents; to point out some important characteristics which are different in flying jet fighter aircraft as compared to conventional aircraft; to compare human error factors in conventional and jet fighters; to point out the importance of physiological stresses and visual factors which cause errors to be made; to present data on relationships between accident rate and age in jet fighter pilots; and to point out the importance of proper use of personal protective equipment. Contents: purpose and summary; bull's-eye target landing systems; drag chutes; the problem; factual data; accident rate, age, and jet flying time; habit interference in jet fighter aircraft; navigation in jet fighters; human stress factors (vision, high G-loads, hypoxia, carbon monoxide); personal protective equipment; recommendations; accident briefs; reference index; and announcements.

N17365.2 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.