Pilot error

Description

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles
available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pilot error
(sometimes called cockpit error) is a term used to describe the cause of
an accident involving an airworthy aircraft where the pilot is
considered to be principally or partially responsible. Pilot error can
be defined as a mistake, oversight, lapse in judgement, or failure to
exercise due diligence by an aircraft operator during the performance of
his/her duties. Usually in an accident deemed due to „pilot error“, the
pilot in command (Captain) made the error unintentionally. However, an
intentional disregard for a standard operating procedure (or warning) is
still considered pilot error, even if the pilot’s actions justified
criminal charges. An aircraft operator (airline or aircraft owner) is
generally not held accountable for an incident that is principally due
to a mechanical failure of the aircraft unless the mechanical failure
occurred as a result of pilot error.