Taylor, A. F.
Description:
To establish whether theoretical and laboratory safety advantages
of low volatily fuel, such as that of low rate of flame spread,
are reflected in aircraft accident 'statistics' a preliminary
study has been made of the ARB's world airline accident summary.
An advantage has been found in that the change to kerosine has
apparently halved the death rate in survivable accidents.
In all gas turbine accidents, including those where death was
probably due to impact not fire, the death rate seems to be 50%
higher with wide cut gasoline than with kerosine.
It has also been found that a higher proportion of gasoline
powered aircraft accidents involved impact death 1.1-1d that overall
the survival rate has remained virtually unchanged. A critical
examination of these preliminary findings, in the light of the
relevant accident reports, is planned.