The reasons are many and complicated. But the FAA and airlines have identified problem areas, including distractions, workload, miscommunication with air traffic controllers, sophisticated automation, complacency and haste borne out of on-time demands. To a lesser extent, fatigue, alcohol and drugs are factors. Va. The organization is funded by the major airlines to study accident prevention. I don't think anybody's out there cowboying an airplane.
Distraction is among the biggest culprits, officials say.
It is generally the result of a pilot facing several critical tasks at once. For instance, during the approach to an airport, a pilot may be instructed to descend to a certain altitude, turn to a new course and dial in a new radio frequency, all at the same time. Throw in the urgency to avoid a thunderstorm, or a nearby aircraft, and a pilot suddenly is torn about what to do next. That means one less set of eyes. It doesn't take much to commit an error.