What does the term "Error Chain" refer to?

The term "Error Chain" refers to a series of errors leading to an accident. This concept is essential for understanding how multiple mistakes can compound and ultimately result in an unintended incident or failure. In aviation, and particularly in the context of unmanned aircraft operations, recognizing how one error can lead to another is crucial for enhancing safety and preventing accidents.

It's important to remember that an Error Chain often involves not just isolated mistakes, but also systemic issues within procedures, communication, or equipment that, when combined with human errors, can precipitate a larger failure. Identifying and analyzing these chains of errors allows operators to implement better training, maintenance, and operational procedures to break potential chains before they result in actual incidents.