The Threat and Error Management (TEM) framework is a safety concept that identifies active failures and latent threats. Active failures are categorized by those that happen as a result of the pilots a..
The Threat and Error Management (TEM) framework is a safety concept that identifies active failures and latent threats. Active failures are categorized by those that happen as a result of the pilots actions, or any factor that impacted the flight directly. Latent threats are those that happen beyond the flight line within the organization. Our team used the TEM framework to identify many of the organizational threats that caused the Federal Express (FedEx) Flight 1478 accident to occur on July 26, 2002. The results from the investigation showed organizational faults from FedEx as well as the Federal Aviation Administration. The results determined there was a lack of structure in pilot eyesight medical examinations and rest periods for pilots. Flight 1478 was a prime example of how fatigue can be detrimental to flight operations. Additionally, the lack of adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and failure of the crew to cross check each other showed the importance and need for consistent crew resource management in the cockpit to mitigate risks and threats. The findings of FedEx Flight 1478 show that latent conditions can lead to undesired aircraft states.