MODELING THE RISK OF ABNORMAL CABIN INCIDENTS IN TAIWANESE AIRLINES: AN APPLICATION OF THE BROWN-GIBSON MODEL AND FAA SAFETY RISK MATRIX

Abstract

While most of the research related to aircraft cabin safety has focused on fire, evacuation, and survival factors, it has been recognized that there are some other incidents that might affect flight safety and merit special attention. In Taiwan, a broad array of cabin incidents that have the potential to affect flight safety have been investigated and labeled as “abnormal cabin incidents,” which include abnormal passenger behavior on board and medical problems. In the present study, the Brown-Gibson Model and Safety Risk Matrix were applied to investigate various ACIs. According to the results, sickness, injury, cell phone usage, the use of mobile electronics, unruly behavior, smoking, and carrying dangerous goods were categorized in the category of “acceptable with mitigation” proposed by the FAA. Excessive drinking, oral abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and other types of incidents were categorized in the “acceptable” group. These research results can be used to identify significant incidents related to flight safety and to allow appropriate resources allocation.