Summary: | Antarctica and its isolation relies heavily upon aviation for accessibility. For accessibility to, and scientific and artistic advancement of the Continent. The rapidly changing extreme weather, which creates environmental in-hostility and inaccessibility give rise to aviation presenting as a challenge in Antarctica. With this challenge come risks from an already high-risk mode of transport. This literature review examines aviation accidents in Antarctica from both the fixed wing and helicopter data. This data is presented in a Table format, from the first accident on 15 March 1929, up to 4th December 2013. The review answers the following dimensions. Firstly the spatial dimension; where do accidents occur commonly and why? Secondly the causal dimension; what are the main reasons behind aviation accidents? Thirdly the impact dimension, the environmental, political, economic and socio-cultural consequences of accidents. Finally, examination of the temporal dimension, thru asking; has aviation has become safer over time? The review is introduced with a brief contextual historical overview of Aviation. Followed by the International Geophysical Year-IGY, and its significance to Aviation. The tabulated aviation accident data follows; this is structured in pre International Geophysical Year (IGY), IGY and post IGY. Discussion of dimensions followed by conclusions complete the review.
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