What mindset does the belief that accidents only happen to others exemplify?

The belief that accidents only happen to others exemplifies an invulnerability mindset. This mindset can lead individuals to underestimate risks and believe that they are not susceptible to the same dangers that affect others. It creates a false sense of safety, which can encourage reckless behavior and poor decision-making in high-risk environments, such as aviation.

This mindset may cause aircrew members to disregard safety protocols or engage in riskier actions because they believe they are somehow immune to the consequences that might impact others. Recognizing this tendency is crucial for fostering a culture of safety, where all crew members understand that vigilance and caution are necessary to prevent accidents, acknowledging that anyone can be affected by risks if they are not adequately managed.