The release of the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 29th and 30th Joseph T. Nall Reports offers several enhancements and brings data into the 21st century, presenting users with near real-time accident analysis updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. Using the drop-down menu below, you can view data from 2008 to the current year. Next to the drop-down menu are two links, one for the 29th Joseph T. Nall Report and one for the 30th. Please note that the NTSB takes approximately two years to issue a probable cause statement, so only preliminary data is available for later years.
The AOPA Air Safety Institute releases the 32nd Joseph T. Nall Report, presenting users with near real-time accident analysis updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. You can view data from 2008 to the current year. Please note that the NTSB takes approximately two years to issue a probable cause statement, so only preliminary data is available for later years.
The year 2020 saw a decrease in total accidents (1051), of which 187 were fatal. The overall total and fatal accident rates for 2020 saw a downward trend finishing with a total accident rate of 4.69 per 100,000 hours and a fatal accident rate of 0.83 per 100,000 hours. A large drop in accidents helped mitigate a substantial decrease in flight activity. Overall, flight activity fell from 25.5 million hours in 2019 to 22.4 million hours in 2020.
Non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft had 892 total accidents, of which 156 were fatal (figure 1.1). With overall accidents (892) trending downward, following a large decrease in flight activity, for this category, the accident rate (5.27) trended downward (figures 1.2 and 1.3). Non-commercial fixed-wing showed a decrease in fatal accidents (156), with the fatal accident rate falling (0.92) even with the decreased flight activity (figures 1.2 and 1.3). The percentage of pilot-related accidents remains around 70 percent (figure 1.4).
Pilot-related accidents consisted of 612 total, of which 79 accidents were fatal. Landing accidents still accounted for the largest number (305), but thankfully suffered few fatal accidents (figure 1.11). Loss of control (137) continued to dominate as the leading cause of landing accidents (figure 1.1.2). Accidents that could not be classified into a meaningful phase of flight, but were reasonably inferred based on preliminary data, fell into the other and unclassified accident category. As more NTSB accidents are classified this category will shrink, and those accidents will be placed in their respective areas. Takeoff and climb accidents (130) rose from the previous year (figure 1.3.1). The largest number of accidents (53) were loss of control (figure 1.3.2), followed by stalled or settled on take-off (36). Fuel management (58) dropped slightly from the previous year (figure 1.4.1), with flight planning accounting for the largest total number of accidents (38) (figure 1.4.2). Maneuvering accidents decreased in both total (39) and fatal (16) from the previous year (figure 1.5.1). Stall/LOC had 18 accidents, of which 11 were fatal (figure 1.5.2). Descent and approach accidents increased (45) while fatal accidents (24) rose sharply from the previous year (figure 1.6.1). Stall/spin and collisions (17) had the same number of accidents while stalls/spins lead in fatal accidents (13) (figure 1.6.2). Weather accidents declined in total (23) and fatal (17) accidents (figure 1.7.1). VFR into IMC led the cause category with 11 accidents, of which 9 were fatal (figure 1.7.2).
Mechanical decrease in total accidents (153) and had a small decrease in fatal accidents (14) from the previous year (figure 1.8.1). Powerplant issues (77) continued its lead, followed by gear and brakes (33), and fuel system (26), which accounted for the majority of mechanical accidents (figure 1.8.2).
Commercial fixed-wing accidents comprised 67 accidents, 13 of which were fatal (figure 2.1). The overall accident rates rose substantially for total accidents (2.17) and for fatal accidents (0.42) from the previous year (figure 2.3). The majority of commercial fixed-wing accidents continued to be pilot-related (figure 2.4). Part 137 surpassed Part 135 accidents by 13 total accidents and one additional fatal accident.
Non-commercial helicopter had 62 accidents, 13 of which were fatal (figure 3.1). The majority of all accidents remained pilot-related. Total accidents decreased to 62, and 13 were fatal (figure 3.3). The fatal accident rate, rose slightly to 0.99, while the total accident rate decreased to 4.72 (figure 3.4). Accidents still awaiting a final cause, not yet assigned, and rotorcraft aerodynamics made up the largest categories (12) (figure 3.9).
Commercial helicopter had a total of 30 accidents, of which seven were fatal (figure 4.1). The vast majority (60 percent) were pilot-related followed by other/unknown (27 percent), and mechanical (11 percent) (figure 4.2). The fatal accident rate stabilized at 0.64, the total accident rate (2.74) declined slightly from the previous year (figure 4.4). Part 133 had 11 accidents (four were fatal), Part 135 had nine accidents (one was fatal), and Part 137 had nine accidents, of which two were fatal (figure 4.5).
The AOPA Air Safety Institute releases the 31st Joseph T. Nall Report, presenting users with near real-time accident analysis updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. You can view data from 2008 to the current year. Please note that the NTSB takes approximately two years to issue a probable cause statement, so only preliminary data is available for later years.
The year 2019 saw a decrease in total accidents (1,169), of which 212 were fatal. The overall total and fatal accident rates for 2019 saw an upward trend finishing with a total accident rate of 4.88 per 100,000 hours and a fatal accident rate of 0.88 per 100,000 hours. The main driver for accident rate increases was fewer flight hours in fixed-wing aircraft compared to the previous year.
Non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft had 988 total accidents, of which 179 were fatal (figure 1.1). With overall accidents (988) trending downward, a decrease in flight activity, for this category, nudged the accident rate (5.62) upward (figures 1.2 and 1.3). Non-commercial fixed-wing showed a slight increase in fatal accidents (179), with the fatal accident rate (1.02) rising due to decreased flight activity (figures 1.2 and 1.3). The percentage of pilot-related accidents, again, fell below 70 percent (figure 1.4). However, this trend tends to shift as accidents reports are completed.
Pilot-related accidents consisted of 614 total, of which 88 accidents were fatal. Landing accidents still accounted for the largest number (308), but thankfully suffered few fatal accidents (figure 1.11). Loss of control (163) continued to dominate as the leading cause of landing accidents (figure 1.1.2). Accidents that could not be classified into a meaningful phase of flight, but were reasonably inferred based on preliminary data, fell into the other and unclassified accident category. As more NTSB accidents are classified this category will shrink, and those accidents will be placed in their respective areas. Takeoff and climb accidents (115) declined from the previous year (figure 1.3.1). The largest number of accidents (39) were loss of control (figure 1.3.2), followed by stalled or settled on take-off (38). Fuel management (58) dropped slightly from the previous year (figure 1.4.1), with flight planning accounting for the largest total number of accidents (32) (figure 1.4.2). Maneuvering accidents increased in both total (36) and fatal (20) from the previous year (figure 1.5.1). Stall/LOC had 22 accidents, of which 12 were fatal (figure 1.5.2). Descent and approach accidents decreased sharply (34) while fatal accidents (11) dropped from the previous year (figure 1.6.1). Collisions (16) had the most accident while stalls/spins (11) lead in fatal accidents (6) (figure 1.6.2). Weather accidents rose slightly in total (34) and fatal (30) accidents (figure 1.7.1). VFR into IMC led the cause category with 19 accidents, of which 18 were fatal (figure 1.7.2).
Mechanical increased in total accidents (194) and had a small increase in fatal accidents (15) from the previous year (figure 1.8.1). Powerplant issues (132) continued its lead, followed by gear and brakes (27), and airframe (15), which accounted for the majority of mechanical accidents (figure 1.8.2).
Commercial fixed-wing accidents comprised 57 accidents, 10 of which were fatal (figure 2.1). The overall accident rates decrease for total accidents (1.68) but increased for fatal accidents (0.30) from the previous year (figure 2.3). The majority of commercial fixed-wing accidents continued to be pilot-related (figure 2.4). Part 137 surpassed Part 135 accidents by 13 total accidents and paralleled fatal accidents with five in each part.
Non-commercial helicopter had 81 accidents, 14 of which were fatal (figure 3.1). The majority of all accidents remained pilot-related. Total accidents decreased slightly to 81, and 14 were fatal (figure 3.3). The fatal accident rate, declined to 0.98, while the total accident rate decreased to 5.68 (figure 3.4). Accidents still awaiting a final cause, not yet assigned, made up the largest category (35); while rotorcraft aerodynamics (15) continues to lead known accident categories (figure 3.9).
Commercial helicopter had a total of 43 accidents, of which nine were fatal (figure 4.1). The vast majority (60 percent) were pilot-related followed by other/unknown (27 percent), and mechanical (11 percent) (figure 4.2). The fatal accident rate increased for its third straight year to 0.57, the total accident rate (2.74) rose sharply from the previous year (figure 4.4). Part 133 had four accidents (two were fatal), Part 135 had 14 accidents (six were fatal), and Part 137 had 25 accidents, of which one was fatal (figure 4.5).
The release of the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 30th Joseph T. Nall Report offers several enhancements and brings data into the 21st century, presenting users with near real-time accident analysis updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. Using the drop-down menu below, you can view data from 2008 to the current year. Next to the drop-down menu are two links, one for the 29th Joseph T. Nall Report and one for the 30th. Please note that the NTSB takes approximately two years to issue a probable cause statement, so only preliminary data is available for later years.
The year 2018 saw an increase in total accidents (1,224), of which 199 were fatal. The overall total and fatal accident rates for 2018 continued its downward trend finishing with a total accident rate of 4.56 per 100,000 hours and a fatal accident rate of 0.74 per 100,000 hours.
Non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft had 1,033 total accidents, of which 166 were fatal (figure 1.1). With overall accidents (1,033) trending upward, the increase in flight activity tempered the accident rate (5.48) (figures 1.2 and 1.3). Non-commercial fixed-wing showed a slight increase in fatal accidents (166), with the fatal accident rate (0.88) remaining relatively flat due to increased flight activity (figures 1.2 and 1.3). For the first time in several years, the percentage of pilot-related accidents fell below 70 percent (figure 1.4). However, this trend is most likely superficial due to incomplete NTSB reports at the time this Nall Report was released.
Pilot-related accidents consisted of 675 total, of which 89 accidents were fatal. Landing accidents still accounted for the largest number (322), but thankfully suffered few fatal accidents (figure 1.11). Loss of control (177) continued to dominate as the leading cause of landing accidents (figure 1.1.2). Accidents that could not be classified into a meaningful phase of flight, but were reasonably inferred based on preliminary data, fell into the other and unclassified accident category. As more NTSB accidents are classified this category will shrink, and those accidents will be placed in their respective areas. Takeoff and climb accidents (111) declined from the previous year (figure 1.3.1). The largest number of accidents (42) were loss of control (figure 1.3.2), followed by stalled or settled on take-off (31). Fuel management (56) rose slightly from the previous year (figure 1.4.1), with flight planning accounting for the largest total number of accidents (33) (figure 1.4.2). Maneuvering accidents declined in both total (23) and fatal (11) from the previous year (figure 1.5.1). Wires/structures/terrain had 15 accidents, of which six were fatal (figure 1.5.2). Descent and approach accidents increased (58)—setting a 10-year high—while fatal accidents (18) spiked from the previous year marking a six-year high (figure 1.6.1). Collisions (21) and stalls/spins (20) tied for total accidents with stalls/spins leading in fatal accidents (9) (figure 1.6.2). Weather accidents experienced a decline in both total (23) and fatal (21) accidents (figure 1.7.1). VFR into IMC led the cause category with 14 accidents, of which 13 were fatal (figure 1.7.2).
Mechanical rose slightly in total accidents (186) and had a small decrease in fatal accidents (11) from the previous year (figure 1.8.1). Powerplant issues (117) continued its lead, followed by gear and brakes (39), and fuel systems (16), which accounted for the majority of mechanical accidents (figure 1.8.2).
Commercial fixed-wing accidents comprised 63 accidents, 10 of which were fatal (figure 2.1). The overall accident rates saw a decrease in total accidents (1.75) and fatal accidents (0.28) from the previous year (figure 2.3). More than 60 percent of commercial fixed-wing accidents were pilot-related, and 70 percent of all fatal accidents within this category were also pilot-related (figure 2.4). Part 137 surpassed Part 135 accidents by 17 total accidents and two fatal accidents.
Non-commercial helicopter had 94 accidents, 17 of which were fatal (figure 3.1). More than 64 percent of all accidents were pilot-related, and 82 percent within this category were fatal. Mechanical accounted for 8 percent with other/unknown accounting for the remaining 26 percent (figure 3.2). Total accidents increased for the second year in a row to 94, and 17 were fatal (figure 3.3). The fatal accident rate, helped mainly by an increase in flight activity, declined to 0.58, while the total accident rate decreased to 3.22 (figure 3.4). Accidents still awaiting a final cause, not yet assigned, made up the largest category (25) (figure 3.9).
Commercial helicopter had a total of 34 accidents, of which seven were fatal (figure 4.1). The vast majority (76 percent) were pilot-related followed by other/unknown (20 percent), and mechanical (3 percent) (figure 4.2). The fatal accident rate increased for its second straight year to 0.48, however the total accident rate (2.31) decreased from the previous year (figure 4.4). Part 133 had ten accidents (four were fatal), Part 135 had 14 accidents (two were fatal), and Part 137 had 10 accidents, of which one was fatal (figure 4.5).
The release of the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 29th Joseph T. Nall Report offers several enhancements and brings data into the 21st century, presenting users with near real-time accident analysis updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. Using the drop-down menu below, you can view data from 2008 to the current year. Next to the drop-down menu are two links, one for the 29th Joseph T. Nall Report and one for the 30th. Please note that the NTSB takes approximately two years to issue a probable cause statement, so only preliminary data is available for later years.
The year 2017 saw a decrease in total accidents from 2016—1,204 and 1,227, respectively. The overall total and fatal accident rates for 2017 continued its downward trend finishing with a total accident rate of 4.81 per 100,000 hours and a fatal accident rate of 0.76 per 100,000 hours.
Non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft had 1,002 total accidents, of which 162 were fatal (figure 1.1). With overall accidents trending downward, non-commercial fixed-wing showed a spike in fatal accidents (162) and the fatal accident rate (0.90) (figures 1.2 and 1.3). As with successive years, 70 percent of accidents were pilot-related with mechanical representing approximately 18 percent (figure 1.4).
Pilot-related accidents consisted of 709 total accidents, of which 128 were fatal. Landing accidents still accounted for the largest number (314), but thankfully suffered few fatal events (3) (figure 1.11). However, loss of control (170) continued to dominate as the leading cause of landing accidents (figure 1.1.2). Accidents that could not be classified into a meaningful phase of flight, but were reasonably inferred based on preliminary data, fell into the other and unclassified accident category. The majority (60) were power loss (figure 1.2.1), 12 of which were fatal. Takeoff and climb accidents (113) declined from the previous year’s spike (figure 1.3.1). The bulk of accidents were loss of control (51) (figure 1.3.2). Fuel management (53) fell sharply for its second year in a row (figure 1.4.1), with systems operation accounting for the largest total (28) and fatal (3) number of accidents (figure 1.4.2). Maneuvering accidents declined in total (38) but rose in fatal (28) from the previous year (figure 1.5.1). Stall/loss of control and wires/structures/terrain both had 15 accidents, whereas stall/loss of control saw more fatal (12) than wires/structures/terrain (8) accidents (figure 1.5.2). Descent and approach accidents increased (44) from the previous year while fatal (11) remained flat (figure 1.6.1). Collisions (17) consisted of the majority of accidents with stalls/spins (5) having the highest fatal accidents. Weather accidents and maneuvering accidents switched place from last year in terms of lethality, with weather accidents overtaking maneuvering accidents (76 and 73 percent, respectively). Weather accidents experienced a sharp increase in both total (42) and fatal (32) accidents (figure 1.7.1). VFR into IMC dominated the cause category with 28 accidents and 22 were fatal (figure 1.7.2).
Mechanical saw a slight decrease (177) in total accidents and a slight decrease (13) in fatal accidents (figure 1.8.1). Powerplant issues (75) continued to lead, followed by gear and brakes (39), and fuel systems (39), which accounted for the majority of mechanical accidents (figure 1.8.2)
Commercial fixed-wing comprised 76 accidents, 11 of which were fatal (figure 2.1). The overall rates saw an increase in total accidents (2.09) but a decrease in fatal accidents (0.30) (figure 2.3). Roughly 60 percent of commercial fixed-wing accidents were pilot-related, and 72 percent of all fatal accidents were also pilot-related (figure 2.4). Part 137 surpassed Part 135 accidents by four total accidents and one fatal accident.
Non-commercial helicopter had 88 accidents, 13 of which were fatal (figure 3.1). More than 80 percent of all accidents were pilot-related, fatal accidents were only pilot-related. Mechanical accounted for 13 percent with other/unknown accounting for the remaining percentage (figure 3.2). Total accidents increased for the first time in four years to 88 following an increase in fatal accidents to 13 (figure 3.3). The fatal accident rate remained flat (0.70), while the total accident rate increased to 4.72 (figure 3.4). Rotorcraft aerodynamics was the largest cause of accidents (29) and tied with maneuvering for having the most fatal accidents (4) (figure 3.9).
Commercial helicopter had a total of 38 accidents, five being fatal (figure 4.1). The majority (73 percent) were pilot-related followed by other/unknown (15 percent), and mechanical (10 percent) (figure 4.2). The fatal accident rate increased (0.34) along with the total accident rate (2.61) from the previous year (figure 4.4). Part 133 had four accidents (two were fatal), Part 135 had 12 accidents (three were fatal), and Part 137 had 22 accidents, of which zero were fatal (figure 4.5).
29th Nall Report