A commercial pilot died when his Taylorcraft F-19 impacted terrain after takeoff and his shoulder harness failed. The passenger, whose restraint system remained intact, survived although she received serious injuries. 

A commercial pilot of an aerial application flight received serious injuries following a wire strike. In an investigation, the restraints of the Piper PA-36-285 showed signs of wear and degradation and the lap belt failed. 

The pilot of a Beech A36 and his passenger died during a ditching following the loss of engine power. The aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. Their installation and use would have increased the chances of survival,  the NTSB found.

The summaries illustrate some common and preventable accidents related to issues associated with the degradation of aircraft restraint systems or the lack of shoulder harnesses, the NTSB says. Numerous studies by the NTSB and others have shown improved survivability and decreased injuries when should harnesses are installed and used.  

Aircraft restraints in general aviation aircraft degrade over time due to age, UV exposure and repeated use, the agency notes. Although they are required to be inspected annually, degradation can be difficult to detect. Other aircraft are only equipped with lap belts and do not include shoulder harnesses, which can prevent occupants from impacting the aircraft’s interior in the event of a crash. 

An NTSB Safety Alert provides tips for pilots, owners and maintenance technicians.

What can pilots and owners do? 

1.    Know the history of the aircraft’s restraints.
2.    Have restraints inspected by a mechanic or the manufacturer to verify they meet specifications.
3.    Replace the belts if the exam shows it is necessary. 
4.    Install shoulder harnesses. 

What can maintenance technicians do? 

1.    Understand aging restraint systems. Know the signs, such as cut or worn edges, damaged stitching, broken threads, UV damage and any excessive wearing that indicates the system does not meet original design standards. 
2.    Inform owners of options to replace the restraint systems on their aircraft.
3.    Encourage owners to install shoulder harnesses if their aircraft are not equipped with them. 
4.    Know that aircraft used for agricultural operations experience additional stresses and environmental factors that can lead to increased wear over time