Harmonizing Safety Perspectives: Integrating STPA outputs into MBSA for Comprehensive Aircraft Safety Assessment

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) in Model-Based Safety Analysis (MBSA) for aircraft safety assessment, using the electrical system of the Cessna C510 Citation Mustang as a case study. It highlights how each method's unique strength, i.e., STPA’s focus on system interactions and MBSA’s detailed system modeling, complement each other to provide a more comprehensive safety analysis. The integration demonstrates improved hazard identification and safety assessment, suggesting this combined approach could significantly enhance the safety process in aircraft systems. The findings support the efficacy of merging STPA and MBSA, aligning with modern safety engineering guidelines and opening pathways for future research in complex system safety analysis.