Panic in Pilots
I'm a doctoral student researching panic behaviour in pilots, in particular why panic behaviour is not mentioned in commerical aircraft accident reports.
The following is a quote from NTSB-AAR-79-2, Allegheny Airlines, BAC 1-11, Rochester NY, 9/7/1978:
"...the question arises as to why an experienced captain would make such a grossly improper approach and continue to a landing when a missed approach could have been successfully accomplished even after touchdown."
Such comments are echoed accross a broad range of reports for approach and landing accidents.
Is is possible that behaviour contrary to experience and training in professonal pilots is because of panic? (an impulsive fight or flight reaction). Or does panic only exist in the realm of General Aviation?
Looking forward to your comments,
Trish