Safety Record Mixed Last Year

U.S.-registered turbine business aircraft accident numbers were mixed last year, according to aviation safety analyst Robert E. Breiling Associates of Boca Raton, Fla. The total number of accidents was down slightly last year compared to 2005, thanks mostly to the turboprop sector, which saw a 17.5-percent reduction. Air-taxi and private turboprops contributed the most to the reduced rate, with a 41-percent and 22.8-percent improvement, respectively. The jet and turboprop fatal accident counts rose from 14 in 2005 to 18 last year, though there were fewer fatalities, down four to 41 last year. Fatal business jet accidents climbed slightly last year to five–one involving a manufacturer flight-test accident. Fractional jet and turboprop operators continued their stellar safety record last year with only two total accidents, both nonfatal.