Air accidents and disasters are often attributed to 'pilot error'. The author argues that such 'blamism' may obscure the underlying cause(s) of a disaster, as errors can also be induced through bad design, poor training, unrealistic rosters, sub-standard maintenance and other factors totally outside the control of the flight crew. This book combines systems theory with research data and case studies and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the aetiology of air disasters.