journal article·2025-09-03Open access

Analysis of Controller-Caused Aviation Accidents Based on Association Rule Algorithm and Bayesian Network

Weijun Pan, Yinxuan Li, Yanqiang Jiang, Rundong Wang, Yujiang Feng, Gaorui Xv

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 17

Abstract

Unsafe behavior among air traffic controllers is a significant causal factor in civil aviation safety incidents. To explore the risks and pathways associated with controller-induced aviation accidents, this study develops an analytical model of controller unsafe behavior based on association rules and fault tree Bayesian networks. First, the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) was applied to identify and categorize aviation incident reports attributed to controller errors. Next, association rule algorithms were employed to uncover potential associations between controller unsafe behaviors and related risk factors, and a fault tree Bayesian network (FT-BN) model of controller unsafe behaviors was constructed based on these associations. The results revealed that the most likely unsafe behaviors were: improper allocation of aircraft spacing (30.5%), failure to take necessary intervention measures (28.4%), and improper transfer of control (27.8%). Backward analysis of the FT-BN indicated that improper allocation of aircraft spacing was most likely triggered by failure to provide adequate controller training, failure to take necessary intervention measures was most often caused by forgotten information, and improper transfer of control was most frequently associated with controller fatigue and failure to put risk management efforts in place. This study provides an important framework for the analysis and evaluation of controller behavior management and offers key insights for improving air traffic safety.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Risk and Safety Analysis · Occupational Health and Safety Research · Human-Automation Interaction and Safety

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Civil Aviation Flight Technology and Flight Safety Research Base, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Guanghan 618307, China

College of Air Traffic Management, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Guanghan 618307, China

Sichuan Engineering Research Centre for Civil Aviation Flight Technology and Flight Safety, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Guanghan 618307, China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Sichuan Engineering Research Centre for Civil Aviation Flight Technology and Flight Safety Project

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