GITNUXREPORT 2026

Airplane Accident Statistics

Air travel has become remarkably safe despite recent high-profile accidents.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Between 2013 and 2022, the global rate of fatal accidents per million departures for commercial jets was 0.11, a record low.

Statistic 2

In 2023, there were 6 fatal airliner accidents worldwide, compared to 4 in 2022.

Statistic 3

The worldwide jet hull loss rate in 2022 was 0.41 per million departures.

Statistic 4

From 1945 to 2023, over 22,000 aviation accidents have been recorded, with 12,000 involving fatalities.

Statistic 5

In 2021, the accident rate for Western-built jets was 1.15 per million sectors flown.

Statistic 6

US commercial aviation had zero fatal accidents in 2023 for Part 121 operators.

Statistic 7

Between 2008 and 2017, turboprop accident rate was 1.19 per million departures globally.

Statistic 8

In 2020, due to COVID-19, global aviation accidents dropped to 28, the lowest in decades.

Statistic 9

The all-accident rate for jets in 2022 was 0.81 per million departures.

Statistic 10

From 2014-2023, regional jets had a fatal accident rate of 0.24 per million flights.

Statistic 11

In 2019, there were 147 aviation accidents worldwide with 257 fatalities.

Statistic 12

EU-registered aircraft had 0.47 accidents per million flight hours in 2022.

Statistic 13

Global helicopter accident rate was 3.38 per 100,000 hours in 2021.

Statistic 14

Between 1959-2023, Boeing 737 family involved in 529 accidents.

Statistic 15

In 2022, Africa had the highest jet accident rate at 4.48 per million departures.

Statistic 16

US general aviation accidents totaled 1,225 in 2022.

Statistic 17

Worldwide fatal accident rate for turboprops was 0.89 per million deps in 2022.

Statistic 18

In 2018, 520 people died in 15 fatal commercial accidents globally.

Statistic 19

Piston-engine aircraft accident rate was 5.8 per 100,000 hours in 2023.

Statistic 20

From 2000-2023, narrowbody jets had 0.15 fatal accidents per million flights.

Statistic 21

In 2023, 129 accidents reported to ICAO, with 72 fatal.

Statistic 22

Brazil recorded 12 aviation accidents in 2022.

Statistic 23

Global all-accident rate improved 55% from 2013 to 2022.

Statistic 24

In 2021, 167 accidents with 176 fatalities worldwide.

Statistic 25

Jet hull-loss accidents totaled 4 in 2023.

Statistic 26

Australia had 0.22 accidents per million hours in 2022.

Statistic 27

From 2010-2020, business jets had 1.02 accidents per million hours.

Statistic 28

In 2020, only 2 fatal jet accidents globally.

Statistic 29

Canada reported 198 GA accidents in 2022.

Statistic 30

Worldwide turbine helicopter rate: 0.72 per 100,000 hours in 2022.

Statistic 31

Boeing 737 involved in 200+ loss of control accidents.

Statistic 32

Airbus A320 family in 150+ accidents since 1988.

Statistic 33

Cessna 172 most involved GA aircraft with 1,500+ accidents.

Statistic 34

Boeing 747 hull losses: 65 since 1970.

Statistic 35

ATR 72 turboprops in 80 accidents, 20 fatal.

Statistic 36

Embraer ERJ family: 25 accidents, low fatal rate.

Statistic 37

McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series: 40+ accidents.

Statistic 38

Bombardier CRJ series in 50+ incidents, 5 fatal.

Statistic 39

Sikorsky S-76 helicopters: 20 accidents since 1980.

Statistic 40

Piper PA-28 Cherokee: 2,000+ GA accidents.

Statistic 41

Boeing 777: only 5 hull losses in 30 years.

Statistic 42

Robinson R44 most accident-prone light helicopter.

Statistic 43

Airbus A330: 10 fatal accidents, low rate.

Statistic 44

Beechcraft Baron: high accident rate in twins.

Statistic 45

Antonov An-26: 100+ accidents in cargo ops.

Statistic 46

Dash 8 turboprops: 40 accidents since 1984.

Statistic 47

Fokker 50: 25 accidents, several fatal.

Statistic 48

Bell 206 helicopters: 1,200+ accidents globally.

Statistic 49

Cirrus SR22: 200+ accidents despite parachute.

Statistic 50

Ilyushin Il-76: 70 hull losses in military/cargo.

Statistic 51

Let L-410: high accident rate in regions.

Statistic 52

Controlled flight into terrain caused 25% of fatalities 2010-2020.

Statistic 53

Loss of control in flight (LOC-I) accounted for 17% of accidents 2005-2014.

Statistic 54

Runway excursions represent 32% of all commercial accidents since 2005.

Statistic 55

Human error involved in 80% of aviation accidents per NTSB data.

Statistic 56

Engine failure caused 12% of fatal accidents 2013-2022.

Statistic 57

Weather-related accidents make up 23% of GA crashes.

Statistic 58

Mid-air collisions account for 1.5% of commercial accidents but higher fatalities.

Statistic 59

Bird strikes involved in 13% of US civil accidents 1990-2020.

Statistic 60

Fuel exhaustion caused 15% of GA fatal accidents 2022.

Statistic 61

System/component failure 18% of jet accidents 2018-2023.

Statistic 62

Runway incursion risks in 20% of excursions per ICAO.

Statistic 63

Pilot fatigue cited in 15-20% of accidents per FAA.

Statistic 64

Icing conditions led to 6% of fatal turboprop accidents.

Statistic 65

Maintenance errors in 12% of mechanical failure accidents.

Statistic 66

Loss of control on takeoff 25% of LOC-I events.

Statistic 67

Terrorism/sabotage in 2% of accidents but 10% fatalities 1970-2020.

Statistic 68

Spatial disorientation caused 10% of GA night accidents.

Statistic 69

Windshear encounters in 1% but high risk at airports.

Statistic 70

Controlled flight into terrain reduced 50% with EGPWS.

Statistic 71

Boeing 737 MAX MCAS issues led to 2 crashes, 346 deaths.

Statistic 72

Overweight/ice contamination caused Air Florida 90 crash.

Statistic 73

Airbus A320 rudder issues investigated in 1990s accidents.

Statistic 74

40% of runway excursions due to wet runways.

Statistic 75

In 2022, commercial aviation fatalities totaled 158 worldwide.

Statistic 76

The 1977 Tenerife disaster remains the deadliest with 583 fatalities.

Statistic 77

From 2010-2019, 66,489 fatalities in all aviation accidents globally.

Statistic 78

In 2014, MH370 disappearance led to 239 presumed fatalities.

Statistic 79

US commercial flights had 0 fatalities in 2019 for scheduled service.

Statistic 80

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash killed 157 in 2019.

Statistic 81

Between 2000-2023, 45,000+ fatalities in commercial jet accidents.

Statistic 82

Lion Air Flight 610 crash resulted in 189 deaths in 2018.

Statistic 83

In 2023, 244 fatalities from 6 fatal accidents.

Statistic 84

Japan Air Lines Flight 123 had 520 fatalities in 1985, deadliest single-aircraft.

Statistic 85

Over 1,200 serious injuries reported in US GA accidents in 2022.

Statistic 86

Air India Express Flight 1344 crash injured 9 of 190 survivors in 2020.

Statistic 87

From 2015-2024, 1,456 fatalities in turboprop accidents worldwide.

Statistic 88

Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision killed all 349 aboard in 1996.

Statistic 89

In 2021, 121 fatalities from commercial operations.

Statistic 90

Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crash killed 72 in 2023.

Statistic 91

Over 500 injuries in runway excursions globally 2022.

Statistic 92

American Airlines Flight 191 crash had 273 fatalities in 1979.

Statistic 93

In 2010, 796 fatalities from 32 fatal accidents.

Statistic 94

Brazil's Voepass Flight 2283 killed 62 in 2024.

Statistic 95

3,346 serious injuries in US scheduled service 1982-2022.

Statistic 96

Lockerbie bombing Pan Am 103 killed 270 in 1988.

Statistic 97

In 2020, Pakistan International Airlines crash killed 97.

Statistic 98

Global GA fatalities averaged 1,200 per year 2018-2023.

Statistic 99

Air France Flight 447 crash resulted in 228 deaths in 2009.

Statistic 100

158 minor injuries in 2023 US Part 135 operations.

Statistic 101

Tenerife disaster injured 61 survivors.

Statistic 102

In 2018, global fatalities totaled 561 from aviation.

Statistic 103

72 fatalities in 2023 Nepal Yeti crash, all aboard.

Statistic 104

Over 10,000 injuries in helicopter accidents 2000-2020.

Statistic 105

North America had 40% of global accidents 2022.

Statistic 106

Russia recorded 15 fatal accidents in 2023.

Statistic 107

American Airlines: 20 fatal accidents since 2000.

Statistic 108

Africa jet fatal rate 2.5x global average 2018-2022.

Statistic 109

China: 10 commercial accidents 2010-2020.

Statistic 110

Lufthansa group: zero fatal passenger accidents 30+ years.

Statistic 111

Nepal: 15 fatal accidents since 2010, high rate.

Statistic 112

Southwest Airlines: 1 fatal accident (2018) in 50 years.

Statistic 113

Indonesia: 20+ fatal crashes 2000-2023.

Statistic 114

Qantas: no fatal jet accidents since 1951.

Statistic 115

India: 12 accidents with 500+ fatalities 2010s.

Statistic 116

LATAM Airlines: 5 fatal events post-2000.

Statistic 117

Middle East: lowest accident rate 0.2 per million 2022.

Statistic 118

Aeroflot: 15 accidents 2000-2023.

Statistic 119

Australia: 0.3 accidents per million hours.

Statistic 120

United Airlines: 8 fatal post-deregulation.

Statistic 121

Brazil: highest in South America, 25 accidents 2010-2020.

Statistic 122

Ryanair: zero fatal accidents in 30+ years.

Statistic 123

Pakistan: 10 fatal crashes since 2010.

Statistic 124

Europe: 25% of global accidents, low fatal rate.

Statistic 125

Delta Air Lines: no fatal crashes 2000-2024.

Statistic 126

Asia-Pacific: 30% fatal accidents 2018-2023.

Statistic 127

Turkish Airlines: 5 fatal since 2000.

Statistic 128

Canada: 150 GA accidents yearly average.

1/128

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While news headlines often scream about rare air disasters, the truth is that aviation safety has reached unprecedented heights, with the global fatal accident rate hitting a record low of just 0.11 per million departures for commercial jets in the last decade.

Key Takeaways

Between 2013 and 2022, the global rate of fatal accidents per million departures for commercial jets was 0.11, a record low.
In 2023, there were 6 fatal airliner accidents worldwide, compared to 4 in 2022.
The worldwide jet hull loss rate in 2022 was 0.41 per million departures.
In 2022, commercial aviation fatalities totaled 158 worldwide.
The 1977 Tenerife disaster remains the deadliest with 583 fatalities.
From 2010-2019, 66,489 fatalities in all aviation accidents globally.
Controlled flight into terrain caused 25% of fatalities 2010-2020.
Loss of control in flight (LOC-I) accounted for 17% of accidents 2005-2014.
Runway excursions represent 32% of all commercial accidents since 2005.
Boeing 737 involved in 200+ loss of control accidents.
Airbus A320 family in 150+ accidents since 1988.
Cessna 172 most involved GA aircraft with 1,500+ accidents.
North America had 40% of global accidents 2022.
Russia recorded 15 fatal accidents in 2023.
American Airlines: 20 fatal accidents since 2000.

Air travel has become remarkably safe despite recent high-profile accidents.

Accident Frequency and Rates

Between 2013 and 2022, the global rate of fatal accidents per million departures for commercial jets was 0.11, a record low.
In 2023, there were 6 fatal airliner accidents worldwide, compared to 4 in 2022.
The worldwide jet hull loss rate in 2022 was 0.41 per million departures.
From 1945 to 2023, over 22,000 aviation accidents have been recorded, with 12,000 involving fatalities.
In 2021, the accident rate for Western-built jets was 1.15 per million sectors flown.
US commercial aviation had zero fatal accidents in 2023 for Part 121 operators.
Between 2008 and 2017, turboprop accident rate was 1.19 per million departures globally.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, global aviation accidents dropped to 28, the lowest in decades.
The all-accident rate for jets in 2022 was 0.81 per million departures.
From 2014-2023, regional jets had a fatal accident rate of 0.24 per million flights.
In 2019, there were 147 aviation accidents worldwide with 257 fatalities.
EU-registered aircraft had 0.47 accidents per million flight hours in 2022.
Global helicopter accident rate was 3.38 per 100,000 hours in 2021.
Between 1959-2023, Boeing 737 family involved in 529 accidents.
In 2022, Africa had the highest jet accident rate at 4.48 per million departures.
US general aviation accidents totaled 1,225 in 2022.
Worldwide fatal accident rate for turboprops was 0.89 per million deps in 2022.
In 2018, 520 people died in 15 fatal commercial accidents globally.
Piston-engine aircraft accident rate was 5.8 per 100,000 hours in 2023.
From 2000-2023, narrowbody jets had 0.15 fatal accidents per million flights.
In 2023, 129 accidents reported to ICAO, with 72 fatal.
Brazil recorded 12 aviation accidents in 2022.
Global all-accident rate improved 55% from 2013 to 2022.
In 2021, 167 accidents with 176 fatalities worldwide.
Jet hull-loss accidents totaled 4 in 2023.
Australia had 0.22 accidents per million hours in 2022.
From 2010-2020, business jets had 1.02 accidents per million hours.
In 2020, only 2 fatal jet accidents globally.
Canada reported 198 GA accidents in 2022.
Worldwide turbine helicopter rate: 0.72 per 100,000 hours in 2022.

Accident Frequency and Rates Interpretation

Though aviation safety has reached impressive statistical heights, we must remember that every decimal point in these records represents a complex story of human endeavor and tragedy that demands our unwavering respect and continuous improvement.

Aircraft Types Involved

Boeing 737 involved in 200+ loss of control accidents.
Airbus A320 family in 150+ accidents since 1988.
Cessna 172 most involved GA aircraft with 1,500+ accidents.
Boeing 747 hull losses: 65 since 1970.
ATR 72 turboprops in 80 accidents, 20 fatal.
Embraer ERJ family: 25 accidents, low fatal rate.
McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series: 40+ accidents.
Bombardier CRJ series in 50+ incidents, 5 fatal.
Sikorsky S-76 helicopters: 20 accidents since 1980.
Piper PA-28 Cherokee: 2,000+ GA accidents.
Boeing 777: only 5 hull losses in 30 years.
Robinson R44 most accident-prone light helicopter.
Airbus A330: 10 fatal accidents, low rate.
Beechcraft Baron: high accident rate in twins.
Antonov An-26: 100+ accidents in cargo ops.
Dash 8 turboprops: 40 accidents since 1984.
Fokker 50: 25 accidents, several fatal.
Bell 206 helicopters: 1,200+ accidents globally.
Cirrus SR22: 200+ accidents despite parachute.
Ilyushin Il-76: 70 hull losses in military/cargo.
Let L-410: high accident rate in regions.

Aircraft Types Involved Interpretation

The sobering truth behind these numbers is that while aviation remains incredibly safe, the safest aircraft are the ones whose manufacturers, operators, and regulators never stop learning from the accidents of others.

Causes of Accidents

Controlled flight into terrain caused 25% of fatalities 2010-2020.
Loss of control in flight (LOC-I) accounted for 17% of accidents 2005-2014.
Runway excursions represent 32% of all commercial accidents since 2005.
Human error involved in 80% of aviation accidents per NTSB data.
Engine failure caused 12% of fatal accidents 2013-2022.
Weather-related accidents make up 23% of GA crashes.
Mid-air collisions account for 1.5% of commercial accidents but higher fatalities.
Bird strikes involved in 13% of US civil accidents 1990-2020.
Fuel exhaustion caused 15% of GA fatal accidents 2022.
System/component failure 18% of jet accidents 2018-2023.
Runway incursion risks in 20% of excursions per ICAO.
Pilot fatigue cited in 15-20% of accidents per FAA.
Icing conditions led to 6% of fatal turboprop accidents.
Maintenance errors in 12% of mechanical failure accidents.
Loss of control on takeoff 25% of LOC-I events.
Terrorism/sabotage in 2% of accidents but 10% fatalities 1970-2020.
Spatial disorientation caused 10% of GA night accidents.
Windshear encounters in 1% but high risk at airports.
Controlled flight into terrain reduced 50% with EGPWS.
Boeing 737 MAX MCAS issues led to 2 crashes, 346 deaths.
Overweight/ice contamination caused Air Florida 90 crash.
Airbus A320 rudder issues investigated in 1990s accidents.
40% of runway excursions due to wet runways.

Causes of Accidents Interpretation

While humans are reliably responsible for most of aviation's tragedies, the statistics coldly detail our specific and persistent failures: from flying perfectly good planes into the ground to losing control, straying off wet runways, or simply running out of gas.

Fatalities and Injuries

In 2022, commercial aviation fatalities totaled 158 worldwide.
The 1977 Tenerife disaster remains the deadliest with 583 fatalities.
From 2010-2019, 66,489 fatalities in all aviation accidents globally.
In 2014, MH370 disappearance led to 239 presumed fatalities.
US commercial flights had 0 fatalities in 2019 for scheduled service.
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash killed 157 in 2019.
Between 2000-2023, 45,000+ fatalities in commercial jet accidents.
Lion Air Flight 610 crash resulted in 189 deaths in 2018.
In 2023, 244 fatalities from 6 fatal accidents.
Japan Air Lines Flight 123 had 520 fatalities in 1985, deadliest single-aircraft.
Over 1,200 serious injuries reported in US GA accidents in 2022.
Air India Express Flight 1344 crash injured 9 of 190 survivors in 2020.
From 2015-2024, 1,456 fatalities in turboprop accidents worldwide.
Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision killed all 349 aboard in 1996.
In 2021, 121 fatalities from commercial operations.
Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crash killed 72 in 2023.
Over 500 injuries in runway excursions globally 2022.
American Airlines Flight 191 crash had 273 fatalities in 1979.
In 2010, 796 fatalities from 32 fatal accidents.
Brazil's Voepass Flight 2283 killed 62 in 2024.
3,346 serious injuries in US scheduled service 1982-2022.
Lockerbie bombing Pan Am 103 killed 270 in 1988.
In 2020, Pakistan International Airlines crash killed 97.
Global GA fatalities averaged 1,200 per year 2018-2023.
Air France Flight 447 crash resulted in 228 deaths in 2009.
158 minor injuries in 2023 US Part 135 operations.
Tenerife disaster injured 61 survivors.
In 2018, global fatalities totaled 561 from aviation.
72 fatalities in 2023 Nepal Yeti crash, all aboard.
Over 10,000 injuries in helicopter accidents 2000-2020.

Fatalities and Injuries Interpretation

While the tragic history of aviation provides sobering context, the relentless focus on incremental safety improvements is why your odds of dying in a commercial jetliner remain vanishingly small compared to almost any other form of travel.

Regional and Airline Statistics

North America had 40% of global accidents 2022.
Russia recorded 15 fatal accidents in 2023.
American Airlines: 20 fatal accidents since 2000.
Africa jet fatal rate 2.5x global average 2018-2022.
China: 10 commercial accidents 2010-2020.
Lufthansa group: zero fatal passenger accidents 30+ years.
Nepal: 15 fatal accidents since 2010, high rate.
Southwest Airlines: 1 fatal accident (2018) in 50 years.
Indonesia: 20+ fatal crashes 2000-2023.
Qantas: no fatal jet accidents since 1951.
India: 12 accidents with 500+ fatalities 2010s.
LATAM Airlines: 5 fatal events post-2000.
Middle East: lowest accident rate 0.2 per million 2022.
Aeroflot: 15 accidents 2000-2023.
Australia: 0.3 accidents per million hours.
United Airlines: 8 fatal post-deregulation.
Brazil: highest in South America, 25 accidents 2010-2020.
Ryanair: zero fatal accidents in 30+ years.
Pakistan: 10 fatal crashes since 2010.
Europe: 25% of global accidents, low fatal rate.
Delta Air Lines: no fatal crashes 2000-2024.
Asia-Pacific: 30% fatal accidents 2018-2023.
Turkish Airlines: 5 fatal since 2000.
Canada: 150 GA accidents yearly average.

Regional and Airline Statistics Interpretation

The global aviation safety record is a patchwork quilt sewn from sky-high achievements, like Lufthansa and Qantas's sterling decades, and sobering reminders—like Africa's elevated fatal rate or Russia's recent tally—that the unforgiving physics of flight demand our relentless vigilance, whether you're over the Australian outback or the Nepalese Himalayas.

Sources & References

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