The DoD and services have successfully reduced rotorcraft loss rates both in combat and non-combat operations since Vietnam, but significant further reductions are needed.
Between October 2001 and September 2009, the U.S. military lost 375 rotorcraft with 496 fatalities. Combat hostile action losses only account for 19 percent of all losses with mishaps accounting for the remaining 81 percent. Rotorcraft fatality rates in combat theaters were three to four times higher than non-combat rates in the rest of the world.
The higher mishap and fatality rates in combat theaters are attributed to the high operational
tempo, increased numbers of passengers on cargo and utility helicopter missions, acceptance of more operational risk, and exposure to combat threats.
Human factors, including loss of situational awareness, account for 78 percent of the losses. Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), degraded visual environment (DVE), and object/wire strike are the leading human factors loss causes. Engine failure and power train failure resulting in loss of control are the leading non-human factors loss causes. A high percentage of helicopter losses, including shoot downs, are survivable. Most fatalities result from the crash and passengers make up a majority of those fatalities. Improving rotorcraft crashworthiness, including passenger protection, will reduce injuries and fatalities in all loss categories.
Non-materiel solutions, such as changes in doctrine, improved facilities, and training have reduced and will continue to reduce rotorcraft loss rates. When combined with new materiel capability however, the potential to significantly reduce loss rates is much greater.
Rotary wing aircraft are and will continue to be critical to the warfighter.
