Aviation and aerospace accidents demand more than technical analysis—they demand insight into why people made the decisions they did. That’s where Human Factors Investigation and Education (HFIE) in Powell, Ohio comes in. With a nationwide reach, HFIE offers a unique, powerful approach to aviation and aerospace expert witness accident investigation, blending the science of human factors and cognitive engineering to uncover root causes.
In this article, you’ll learn why HFIE stands out, what makes human factors essential in aviation investigations, and how HFIE helps attorneys, insurers, aviation companies, and courts understand the cognitive context behind accidents and near-misses.
What Is Human Factors and Why Does It Matter in Aviation?
Understanding Human Factors in Aviation
Human Factors refers to the psychological, cognitive, and physical conditions that affect human performance—especially in complex systems like aircraft. It includes:
- Perception, attention, and decision-making
- Fatigue, workload, and stress
- Communication and teamwork
- Ergonomics and user interface design
In aviation, a small lapse in attention can mean the difference between a safe landing and disaster. That’s why every thorough aviation accident investigation must include a human factors analysis—not just mechanical or procedural assessments.
Why Cognitive Engineering Complements Traditional Investigation
Cognitive engineering adds a layer of understanding by examining how pilots, controllers, and crew process information in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
At HFIE, these insights help:
- Explain why a pilot missed a warning
- Identify cognitive overload
- Reconstruct decision chains under pressure
Together, human factors and cognitive engineering expose the “why” behind the “what” of an accident.
Meet Human Factors Investigation and Education (HFIE)
Who They Are
Based in Powell, Ohio, HFIE is led by Dr. Shari Franks, a nationally recognized authority in aviation psychology, cognitive science, and safety investigation. The organization serves clients nationwide, offering expert witness services, training, and consultation for aviation-related investigations.
What They Do
HFIE specializes in:
- Aviation and aerospace expert witness accident investigation
- Human factors analysis
- Cognitive task analysis
- Pilot behavior and error assessment
- Litigation support
- Training and workshops
Whether it’s a commercial airliner incident or a general aviation crash, HFIE investigates not just what failed—but how human performance contributed.
Why Attorneys and Investigators Choose HFIE
Unmatched Expertise in Human Factors & Aviation Psychology
HFIE blends academic credentials with real-world aviation experience. Dr. Franks and her team have served as:
- Consultants to the FAA and NTSB
- Advisors for aviation safety boards
- Expert witnesses in state and federal courts
This fusion of psychology, systems engineering, and legal clarity gives clients credible, evidence-based insights that stand up to courtroom scrutiny.
Nationwide Litigation Support
While based in Ohio, HFIE handles aviation and aerospace investigations across the U.S. Whether your case is in California, Texas, Florida, or New York, HFIE offers:
- Remote and on-site investigation
- Deposition and trial testimony
- Report preparation and case analysis
They’re known for clear, jury-friendly explanations and methodical forensic techniques grounded in peer-reviewed science.
Clarity in Complex Cases
Courts and juries need more than technical jargon—they need to understand human behavior. HFIE bridges this gap by:
- Reconstructing decision timelines
- Analyzing cockpit communication
- Clarifying complex psychological concepts
“Why did the pilot fail to respond to the warning?”
“Was fatigue or workload a factor?”
“Did the design of the cockpit contribute to the error?”
HFIE answers these questions with backed-up reasoning, not speculation.
Key Services Offered by HFIE
Aviation & Aerospace Expert Witness Accident Investigation
HFIE provides comprehensive, court-tested expert witness services that include:
- Human error analysis
- Operational procedure evaluation
- System and task design review
- Root cause assessment
They work alongside engineers, insurers, and legal teams to give the human angle to technical failures.
Human Factors Training & Education
HFIE offers custom training programs for:
- Aviation professionals
- Safety managers
- Attorneys and insurers
These sessions focus on how to identify, investigate, and mitigate human error in complex aviation environments.
Cognitive Engineering and System Design Review
HFIE’s experts can assess whether a cockpit system, checklist, or software interface was designed to support or hinder human performance.
This is crucial in cases involving:
- Automation failures
- Warning system misinterpretation
- Poorly designed user interfaces
Case Applications: Where HFIE Makes a Difference
Scenario 1: General Aviation Crash Involving Pilot Fatigue
In a recent Midwest case, a general aviation accident occurred due to pilot disorientation at night. HFIE was brought in to evaluate whether fatigue and workload played a role. Their analysis showed:
- The pilot had exceeded FAA rest guidelines
- The lighting conditions impaired depth perception
- Checklists were poorly formatted
The findings helped explain the pilot’s state of mind and influenced the court’s decision.
Scenario 2: Commercial Airline Runway Incursion
HFIE worked with legal counsel in a runway incursion incident involving multiple communication failures. By analyzing radio logs, crew interactions, and ATC protocols, they pinpointed cognitive overload and procedural breakdowns, shifting liability from crew to a larger systems issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes human factors analysis different from engineering investigation?
Engineering focuses on physical systems—mechanical failure, materials, and design.
Human factors looks at behavior—how humans interact with those systems, process data, and make decisions under stress.
Is HFIE only for aviation cases?
HFIE specializes in aviation and aerospace, but their cognitive engineering methods apply to any high-risk industry—including military, transportation, and healthcare.
Can HFIE testify in federal court?
Yes. HFIE experts are qualified to serve as expert witnesses in both state and federal courts, offering depositions, trial testimony, and forensic reports.
Top Reasons to Work with HFIE
Here’s a quick breakdown of why HFIE is the right choice:
- Specialized in Aviation Human Factors
- Led by nationally recognized experts
- Trusted by attorneys, airlines, and insurers
- Offers courtroom-ready reports and testimony
- Combines psychology, engineering, and aviation experience
- Serves all 50 states
- Clear communication with non-technical audiences
- Able to support cases remotely or on-site
- Decades of applied experience in flight and investigation
- Scientifically grounded and legally sound
Call to Action: Start Solving the Human Side of the Problem
If you’re facing a complex aviation case, don’t stop at black boxes and system logs. Look deeper—into decision-making, workload, fatigue, and design. That’s where HFIE comes in.
đź“ž Contact Human Factors Investigation and Education today to schedule a consultation and learn how cognitive insights can uncover hidden truths in your next aviation investigation.Visit https://hfie.org or call [Insert contact number] for immediate assistance.
