U.S.-registered business jets experienced significantly fewer total accidents and fatalities last year versus 2012, but the number of fatalities in U.S. business turboprop accidents more than tripled year-over-year.
According to preliminary statistics compiled by AIN, U.S.-registered business jets were involved in 14 total accidents last year, compared with 34 in 2012. Although there were six fatal accidents last year, one more than in 2012, the number of fatalities dropped to 17 from 24 year-over-year. All six fatal crashes last year occurred under Part 91. In 2012, four of the five fatal accidents happened under Part 91, while the other fatal befell a Part 135 operation.
U.S.-registered turboprops incurred 28 nonfatal crashes last year versus 37 in 2012, but 45 people were killed in 15 accidents last year, compared with 15 fatalities in seven mishaps in 2012. Two of the fatal crashes last year involved Part 135 operations, with the remainder occurring under Part 91.
In accidents involving non-U.S.-registered business jets, preliminary data show six people died in two crashes last year, compared with two killed in a single crash in 2012, all while flying privately. Accidents last year involving non-N-numbered turboprops resulted in 42 fatalities, the same number as in 2012.