ELTs frequently ineffective

[Philip Argy]

The ATSB has just published a pioneering research report that finds that fuselage- fitted emergency locator transmitters are not as effective as we'd like to think:

http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/4125693...-128_final.pdf

Extract from summary:

Data from the ATSB database show that ELTs function as intended in about 40 to 60 per cent of accidents in which their activation was expected.
Records of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s SAR incidents shows that search and rescue personnel were alerted to aviation emergencies in a variety ways including radio calls and phone calls, and that ELT activation accounted for the first notification in only about 15 per cent of incidents.

[Mick F]

I have attended one aircraft accident in the past, where by the ELT had not activated. To say I was surprised, was an understatement, given the state of the wreckage.

Mick