1.

3 Discussion: Human Error

One of the key principles in human factors design is to prevent or minimize human error. Five types of
error are introduced in the readings (Guastello). From these types of error, select the one you believe
presents the greatest challenge to human factors specialists and engineers in the aviation/aerospace
sectors and is the most resistant to remediation or minimization. Explain your rationale and provide at
least one scholarly source to support your position. Submit your observation (using APA format where
applicable) for this activity before the end of the module week. Comment on at least one other student's
work, in accordance with the requirements as explained in the syllabus, by the end of the module week.

Among the five types of human error, I think that errors of commission present the
greatest challenge to human factors specialists and engineers in the aviation/aerospace
sectors and is the most resistant to remediation or minimization. Errors of commission
occur when the operator intends to take an action that needed to be taken but selected
the wrong action or pushed the wrong button (Guastello, 2014). One of the examples
would be shutting off or feathering wrong engine/propeller by mistake. In the emergency
situation such as engine fire, engine failure, low oil pressure etc., the pilots may make
an error of commission by selecting the wrong thrust or propeller. This is not only type
of error that students make but also it can happen in the airline industry. The example
would be TransAsia Airways Flight 235 that crashed shortly after takeoff from Taipei
Songshan Airport (Jansen, 2016). The main reason of this accident was found that
PF(Captain) pulled back operative engine thrust (ENG 1) instead of inoperative engine
thrust (ENG 2). The accident analysis report supported that the captain and first officer
did not follow the proper emergency procedure and the standard operating procedure to
handle the situation effectively. To avoid this kind of error of commission, it is very
important to diagnosis the issue first and share the plan of the actions with PM. By
doing so, it will bring the PM to verify the procedure of emergency checklist and avoid
going too hasty in response to the situation (ASC, 2016).
Reference
ASC. (2016). TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 Occurrence Report. Retrieved
from https://reports.aviation-safety.net/2015/20150204-0_AT76_B-22816.pdf  (Links to
an external site.)
Guastello, S.J. (2014). Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics: A Systems
Approach (2ed). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Jansen, B. (2016). TransAsia pilots blamed for fatal Taiwan crash. Retrieved
from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/06/30/transasia-pilots-blamed-fatal-
taiwan-crash/86561460/