NTSB data shows 863 aviation accidents in the most recent count. The figure marks a rebound after a sharp drop to 677 yet remains below the levels that exceeded one thousand in earlier periods. Both EASA and FAA rules now require formal safety management systems and set certification standards for transport category aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 863 aviation accidents in 2022
- In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 916 aviation accidents in 2021
- In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 677 aviation accidents in 2020
- EU Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 sets requirements for AOC operators including management systems for risk and safety
- In the U.S., 14 CFR Part 121 requires an approved Safety Management System for covered operators
- EASA CS-25 provides certification specifications for transport-category aeroplanes affecting flight safety design
- FAA 14 CFR Part 25 contains airworthiness standards related to design and flight safety for transport-category aircraft
U.S. aviation accidents fell from 1,114 in 2007 to 863 in 2022 as fatal accidents and fatalities also decreased.
Related reading
01 · Category
Performance Metrics30 stats
01
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 863 aviation accidents in 2022[1]
02
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 916 aviation accidents in 2021[1]
03
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 677 aviation accidents in 2020[1]
04
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 737 aviation accidents in 2019[1]
05
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,042 aviation accidents in 2018[1]
06
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,034 aviation accidents in 2017[1]
07
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,058 aviation accidents in 2016[1]
08
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,054 aviation accidents in 2015[1]
09
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,100 aviation accidents in 2014[1]
10
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,084 aviation accidents in 2013[1]
11
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,063 aviation accidents in 2012[1]
12
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,062 aviation accidents in 2011[1]
13
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,070 aviation accidents in 2010[1]
14
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,092 aviation accidents in 2009[1]
15
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,090 aviation accidents in 2008[1]
16
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,114 aviation accidents in 2007[1]
17
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,046 aviation accidents in 2006[1]
18
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,011 aviation accidents in 2005[1]
19
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,013 aviation accidents in 2004[1]
20
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 1,007 aviation accidents in 2003[1]
21
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 986 aviation accidents in 2002[1]
22
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 931 aviation accidents in 2001[1]
23
In the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 927 aviation accidents in 2000[1]
24
In 2022, NTSB reported 224 fatal accidents in U.S. aviation[1]
25
In 2021, NTSB reported 236 fatal accidents in U.S. aviation[1]
26
In 2020, NTSB reported 178 fatal accidents in U.S. aviation[1]
27
In 2019, NTSB reported 183 fatal accidents in U.S. aviation[1]
28
In 2018, NTSB reported 244 fatal accidents in U.S. aviation[1]
29
In 2022, NTSB reported 968 fatalities from U.S. aviation accidents[1]
30
In 2021, NTSB reported 1,066 fatalities from U.S. aviation accidents[1]
Interpretation
Performance Metrics Interpretation
After peaking at 1,114 aviation accidents in 2007 and staying above about 1,000 annually through 2014, the U.S. NTSB reported a clear drop in 2020 with 677 accidents and then a rebound to 863 in 2022.
02 · Category
User Adoption2 stats
Interpretation
User Adoption Interpretation
Both sides of the Atlantic are converging on formal Safety Management System requirements, with the EU mandating it under Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and the U.S. requiring an approved SMS under 14 CFR Part 121 for covered Part 121 operators.
More related reading
03 · Category
Industry Trends2 stats
Interpretation
Industry Trends Interpretation
The key insight is that flight safety for transport-category aircraft is guided by two major rulebooks, with EASA CS-25 and FAA 14 CFR Part 25 together providing the core certification and airworthiness standards that shape how design decisions are made for safety.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Christopher Morgan. (2026, February 13). Flight Safety Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/flight-safety-statistics
MLA
Christopher Morgan. "Flight Safety Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/flight-safety-statistics.
Chicago
Christopher Morgan. 2026. "Flight Safety Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/flight-safety-statistics.
Sources & references
4 sources cited across this report