Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Error Mishaps: An Evidence- based Prioritization of Human Factors Issues

The validity of previous human factors data may be called into question when technology changes rapidly or new and radical designs are introduced as with the advent of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). The purpose of this study was to analyze the role and pattern of active and latent human failures in USAF MQ-1 Predator UAS mishaps using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. A mishap database was constructed and a factor analysis performed to detect structure in the relationships between latent and active failures and hence mishaps. The linkages between latent ant active failures identified from the factor analysis were used to construct a decision tree, allowing a quantitative comparison of the utility of addressing specific latent failures. Additionally, three cross sectional analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence odds ratios for human causal factors and phase of flight, mission type, and crew composition. Overall, human error was the most common cause of MQ-1 Predator UAS mishaps and four recurring patterns of error were identified. Based on the utility analysis, preventing mishaps is best accomplished by addressing latent failures involving organizational factors and the technological environment. There was a greater likelihood for mishaps to involve perceptual factors and perceptual errors during launch and recovery operations and training operations and organizational climate factors and violations during operations other than training.