Cockpit Crashworthiness Subgroup

The Cockpit Crashworthiness Subgroup focuses on enhancing glider safety through research into pilot injuries sustained in aircraft accidents. By collecting and analysing injury data from crash survivors, the group identifies design improvements that can significantly reduce injury severity and save lives. This scientific approach enables glider manufacturers to implement evidence-based design changes that benefit the entire global gliding community.

The Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile (OSTIV) is launching a comprehensive international study aimed at gathering data on pilot injuries from glider accidents. This initiative, led by the OSTIV Crashworthy Cockpit Group, seeks to identify design improvements that could significantly enhance pilot safety and reduce the severity of injuries in crash situations.

Addressing a Critical Data Gap

Despite expectations that glider manufacturers or aviation regulatory bodies would maintain records on pilot injuries from crashes, no such comprehensive data currently exists – not even for fatal accidents. The OSTIV Crashworthy Cockpit Group is working to fill this important gap in aviation safety knowledge.

Building on Successful Pilot Program

Last year, OSTIV conducted a small-scale trial survey using a questionnaire to collect injury data from crash survivors. The pilot program exceeded expectations, receiving more responses than initially anticipated. Encouraged by these results, OSTIV is now expanding the study internationally, reaching out to gliding associations worldwide.

How to Participate

Glider pilots who have been injured in accidents are invited to complete a brief, voluntary electronic survey. The questionnaire is available in English, German, and French:

• English: https://ostiv-questionnaire.limesurvey.net/687739?lang=en
• German: https://ostiv-questionnaire.limesurvey.net/687739?lang=de
• French: https://ostiv-questionnaire.limesurvey.net/687739?lang=fr

Participants are also encouraged to share the survey with anyone they know who was injured in a gliding accident but is no longer an active club member.

Anonymity and Purpose

All responses will remain anonymous. The study's purpose is strictly scientific – to analyze injury patterns and inform glider design improvements – not to assess blame or re-examine accident circumstances.

Deadline: 30 April 2026

Injured pilots are asked to submit their responses by 30 April 2026. Through this collaborative effort, OSTIV aims to save lives and minimize injuries across the global gliding community.