Role of pre-existing disease in the causation of naval aircraft mishaps.

Pre-existing disease is present in Naval aircraft mishaps, but there is presently no indication that it actually causes, or even contributes to, the mishap sequence. This paper reviews the literature on this subject and analyzes the evidence available. Naval aviators are a healthy, watched-over, well-defined young population. Diagnosed pre-existing disease which could be incapacitating is disqualifying for aviation duty. The pre-existing disease reported in Medical Officer's Reports usually would not be incapacitating. However, a disease process may present and contribute significantly to a "pilot error" or "undetermined" mishap, and not be found at autopsy.