Bravo 73 you make a very valid point. Navigation has never ever been easier and has never been so available. Very few pilots launch today without GPS on board. It is a great aid and certainly eases the workload when the weather gets bad.
I would be interested to know how many of these aircraft were equipped with GPS.
I just read Table 1 again and the question that jumps out at me for most of these accidents is "Why were they there in the first place?" Here we go back to Dennis's comment about the Irishman and the bog.
Regardless of the availability of modern equipment for stability and navigation/approaches, there has to be a point in any DVE where the pilot/crew address the question above. At the same time, the decision to continue/postpone/abort has to be addressed.
What I read from most, though not all, of the accidents listed, is that the decision to turn around or vacate the environment was not addressed soon enough. It was left right up until there was no option, I think this is where the solution lies. Sure, lets get the best infrastructure that is practical and affordable, lets put the right equipment on board, but we as pilots have to address this most basic decision to continue in deteriorating weather.
I have to go and fly - at least its sunny here.
tam