AOPA Safety Report Released

The data in the digital report is updated on a rolling, 30-day cycle, providing the most current snapshot of general aviation safety performance. The report is always about a year or two behind as it relies on the completion of investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and their probable cause. It can take a year or more for the NTSB to conclude investigations.

According to the report, now in its 33rd year of release, there has been an increase in total accidents. In 2020 there were 1,050, compared to 1,124 in 2021. Breaking down the information  further showed there was a decrease in the total  accidents that took place during landings. However, the number of these events that resulted in fatalities increased slightly.

This was not the only disappointing statistic, noted Robert Geske, AOPA Air Safety Institute manager of aviation safety analysis. Geske cited the increase in the noncommercial helicopter accident rate, which rose following two years of decline.

"We are also disappointed to see the lethality rate for weather accidents remain steady at an average of eight per year despite continual efforts to address this area,” Geske said.

Mechanical accidents saw an increase overall but a decrease in fatalities.

To get the most out of the report, pilots, especially instructors, can review the data to determine what areas of flight are prone to accidents and focus on improving performance. For example, the knowledge that most accidents happen during landing might inspire the pilot to spend more time on their landing proficiency.

Access the report here.