§ Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for Air how many fatal accidents there have been in the Air Force this year and how many lives have been lost; what were the corresponding losses last year; the numbers of machines destroyed by accidents this year and last year; can he attribute the crashes of flying machines and loss of life in the Air Service to any general cause; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of accidents?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe figures requested in the first three parts of the question for the period 1st January to 18th November,40W 1926, and for the corresponding period in 1925, are as follow:
1926. 1925. Fatal accidents 49 36 Deaths 78 50 Aircraft reported by 18th November as written off charge as a result of crashes 230 212 Of the deaths in 1926, 13 have occurred in three accidents, two of which may be regarded as of an exceptional character. I should add that the amount of flying in 1926 to date is materially in excess of that for the corresponding period of 1925. The figures relate to Royal Air Force personnel only, and do not include aircraft written off charge as a result of enemy action. As regards the fourth part, in spite of continuous and careful scrutiny of every individual accident, no general cause can be assigned. Many accidents are the result of a combination of causes. A mechanical failure, containing no element of danger itself, but necessitating a forced landing, may be followed by a crash due to bad ground, or an error of judgment. A slight error of judgment in the air, especially near the ground, may have fatal results, whereas a similar error of judgment on the ground, as when driving a motor car, probably results only in minor material damage. As regards the last part, the steps which are being taken are continuous. All sides of this question are carefully watched, e.g., the number of accidents, the stations at which they occur, the time of the year, the nature of the country, the type of machine, the medical and flying history of the pilot, methods of training, etc., etc. Every serious accident is investigated by an independent inspector reporting to the Secretary of State, as well as by a local court of inquiry. Endeavours are also being made to eVolve more controllable machines, and mechanical devices designed to increase the safety of flying. Parachutes have been generally introduced and have saved several lives this year. It must also be remembered that aircraft are constantly and necessarily improving in performance, and every addition to speed and power tends to make the result of an accident more serious. My right hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that this question is engaging my constant personal attention, and that every possible precaution is and will continue 41W to be taken with a view to safeguarding the lives of our flying personnel by all means in our power.