pilot error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pilot error" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in aviation contexts to refer to mistakes made by the pilot that contribute to an accident or incident. Example: "The investigation revealed that the crash was primarily due to pilot error, as the pilot failed to follow standard procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pilot error is suspected.

The New York Times

The cause was pilot error.

The New York Times

Was this a case of pilot error?

The New York Times

Pilot error could have been a factor.

The Economist

That crash was attributed to pilot error.

The New York Times

The official inquiry's conclusion was pilot error.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pilot error was blamed for the crash.

The New York Times

The cause was attributed to "pilot error".

The New York Times

"I don't think it was any pilot error.

The New York Times

Problems included pilot error, mechanical failure and communications challenges.

The Guardian

There has also been speculation about possible pilot error.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing aviation accidents, clearly specify the nature of the "pilot error" to provide a more informative and accurate account. For example, instead of simply stating "pilot error", elaborate on whether it involved a misjudgment of weather conditions, failure to follow procedures, or incorrect handling of the aircraft.

Common error

Avoid using "pilot error" as a blanket explanation without proper investigation. Prematurely attributing an incident solely to "pilot error" can overlook other contributing factors such as mechanical failures, inadequate training, or systemic issues within the airline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pilot error" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in sentences related to aviation incidents. It describes the cause of an accident or incident being attributable to the pilot's mistakes. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pilot error" is a commonly used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe situations where a pilot's actions or decisions are the primary cause of an aviation accident or incident. While grammatically correct, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, avoiding overgeneralization and considering other potential contributing factors. Alternative phrases like "aviator mistake" or "flight crew fault" may be appropriate depending on the context. The term appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in discussions about aviation safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aviator mistake

Replaces "pilot" with a synonym and "error" with a synonym, focusing on the person making the mistake.

flight crew fault

Shifts the focus from the pilot alone to the entire flight crew, implying a shared responsibility.

aircrew misjudgment

Similar to "flight crew fault", but highlights the aspect of poor judgment.

human factor incident

A more technical and broad term that includes pilot error as one possible cause, includes other humans and their behaviors as a reason.

cockpit mistake

Emphasizes that the error happened in the cockpit, without pointing the responsible.

flying miscalculation

Highlights a mathematical or navigational mistake made during flight.

operational error

A very broad term that refers to the same error, without emphasizing who made it, nor the context.

navigational blunder

Focuses specifically on errors in navigation.

control malfunction caused by pilot

Specifies that the pilot induced malfunction of plane controls.

failure in flight management

Emphasizes the lack of management as a cause for the failure.

FAQs

What does "pilot error" mean in aviation?

In aviation, "pilot error" refers to a mistake or misjudgment made by the pilot that contributes to an accident or incident. This can include errors in decision-making, flight control, navigation, or adherence to procedures.

What are some common causes of "pilot error"?

Common causes of "pilot error" include fatigue, stress, lack of experience, inadequate training, distractions in the cockpit, and failure to follow standard operating procedures.

Is it appropriate to use "pilot error" in formal writing?

Yes, "pilot error" is a widely understood and accepted term in aviation and accident investigation contexts, making it appropriate for formal writing. Alternatives, such as "aviator mistake" or "flight crew fault", might be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How can airlines reduce the risk of "pilot error"?

Airlines can reduce the risk of "pilot error" by implementing robust training programs, promoting a safety-conscious culture, addressing pilot fatigue, improving cockpit resource management, and implementing advanced technology and automation.