ASOG Focus Area | Aviation Safety
Source | ASOG Safety Center
Real-World Safety Incidents That Make Us Smarter, Not Just Lucky
Every aircrew professional has a story—a close call, a moment of miscommunication, or a systems failure that could have ended very differently. These near misses often go unreported, but when shared anonymously and constructively, they become powerful tools for building safer, smarter crews across commercial, public safety, and military aviation.
In this edition of our aircrew safety articles, we've gathered real-world insights from ASOG members and industry contacts. These lessons aren't about placing blame—they're about professional growth and collective vigilance.
UAS Blind Spot – Aerial Surveying & Mapping
Scenario: A crew conducting low-altitude terrain mapping was unaware that a contracted UAS team was operating in the same airspace 2NM away, below standard NOTAM altitude thresholds.
Lesson: Even in "controlled" operations, don't assume all activity is accounted for via formal NOTAMs. Establish direct coordination with other airspace users, and consider a briefing with any UAS operators supporting the same project site. Visibility is more than a radar return—it's awareness across teams.
Laser Strike on Approach – Law Enforcement Helicopter
Scenario: During a late-evening surveillance flight, a public safety helicopter experienced a sustained green laser strike from an unknown ground source. Temporary vision effects and crew distraction required an immediate break-off from the area.
Lesson: Laser threats are increasing globally. Crews should regularly review laser strike response protocols and rehearse role-specific actions (e.g., switching pilot control, radio calls, or recording event data). File a report—tracking trends helps the whole community.
Intercom Failure During Tactical Mission – Military ISR Platform
Scenario: Midway through a joint ISR mission, the rear cabin crew lost intercom functionality with the flight deck. Mission communications degraded quickly, forcing the aircraft to abort early due to a coordination breakdown.
Lesson: Never take internal comms for granted. Pre-mission checks must include intercom backups and clearly defined "loss-of-comms" procedures. When supporting high-tempo operations, consider implementing visual cue SOPs (e.g., signal lights or pre-briefed hand signals).
Fuel Miscalculation – Aerial Firefighting Support Aircraft
Scenario: A commercial operator supporting aerial firefighting operations experienced a fuel reserve drop below minimums after an extended loiter and last-minute mission re-tasking.
Lesson: Dynamic ops demand flexible fuel planning—but flexible doesn't mean risky. Always account for potential loiter extensions and build in conservative margins when supporting unpredictable or emergency-driven missions.
Final Thought: Share, Reflect, Improve
Across all sectors—from commercial surveys and public safety missions to military sorties—it's easy to treat near misses as flukes or things best left unspoken. But when we share them, we foster a stronger safety culture. These stories serve as reminders, red flags, and catalysts for improvement.
If you have a lesson you'd be willing to share anonymously in future issues, reach out to ASOG's Safety Center. Your experience might just prevent someone else's emergency tomorrow.
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