Questions About Airplane Accidents

How often do aviation accidents occur?
Although air travel is considered among the safest modes of transportation, when accidents do occur, they are more likely to be fatal and more destructive than accidents involving non-aviation vehicles.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in 2006 there were two major aviation accidents - accidents defined as involving a major airline or large transport-category aircraft that was destroyed, substantially damaged with at least one fatality, or in which there were multiple fatalities. That same year there were also two “serious” accidents, seven nonfatal accidents involving injuries, and 22 accidents with no fatalities or serious injuries but in which there was substantial damage.

What are the most common causes of airplane accidents?
Because the damage suffered in airplane accidents tends to be extensive, it is often difficult to determine the cause. It is generally accepted, however, that the most common causes of airplane accidents include:

* Pilot error (most common)
* Aircraft part design flaws
* Mechanical failure
* Extreme weather conditions