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| NTSB Reports General Aviation Accidents are Up but Fatalities are Down | May '08 |
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| By Karen Di Piazza |
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Washington, D.C.-based National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2007 in mid-April. The agency's report documented that there were 1,631 general aviation accidents in 2007, 113 more than the 1,518 reported in 2006. The good news is that the number of GA fatalities in 2007 dropped from 703 to 491, a 30 percent decrease—the lowest annual total in more than 40 years.
Mark Rosenker, NTSB chairman, said the U.S. aviation industry has produced an admirable safety record in recent years. However, he warned the industry it mustn't become complacent.
"We must continue to take the lessons learned from our investigations and use them to create even safer skies for all aircraft operators and their passengers," he said.
Zero fatalities occurred on FAR Part 135 commuter aircraft, based on fewer than 10 seats. On-demand Part 135 operations reported 43 fatalities (14 fatal accidents out of a total of 62 accidents), up from the 16 fatalities that occurred in 2006. Such operations include air charter, air taxis, air tours and medical services, when a patient is on board.
The agency said in 2007, based on aircraft with 10 or more seats, there were 24 nonfatal accidents involving FAR Part 121 airlines.
Foreign registered aircraft accounted for 11 accidents in the United Sates in 2007, with three fatalities from a single fatal accident. Fourteen accidents involved unregistered aircraft; six were fatal accidents resulting in seven fatalities.
For more information, visit www.ntsb.gov.
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