The number of fatalities from business jet accidents worldwide in the first nine months of this year continued to outpace those from accidents in the same period last year, even while the number of nonfatal accidents declined, and the number of people killed in U.S. and non-U.S. turboprop crashes dropped significantly in the recent period. According to preliminary statistics compiled by AIN, 15 people died in four accidents involving U.S.-registered business jets in the first nine months of this year, although there were no fatal accidents in the third quarter. In the same time span last year, 13 people were killed in four accidents.
All eight of the fatal accidents in the two periods befell jets operating under Part 91. In the first nine months of this year there were no accidents involving jets operating under Part 91K (there was one last year), although there were four incidents involving jets in fractional operations in the recent first nine-month period versus three last year.
Part 135 operations experienced one nonfatal accident in this year’s first nine months and two in the same period last year. Accidents involving N-numbered turboprops flying under Part 91 accounted for all 20 fatalities in the first nine months. In the same period last year Part 91 accounted for 24 fatalities. Two fatal Part 135 turboprop accidents pushed up the fatal count to 35 last year. In both periods, there were no mishaps involving Part 91K turboprops.
Accidents involving non-N-numbered turbine airplanes over the two periods mirrored those of their U.S. counterparts. That is, while the number of nonfatal accidents fell in the recent nine months versus the same period last year, the number of fatalities increased–considerably for non-U.S.-registered jets. The reported numbers for this year’s period show 19 people were killed in four jet crashes, versus two people in a single (private) accident last year. In 2014 the fatal crashes happened on charter, other and unknown operations. The non-U.S.-registered turboprop segment recorded fewer events in every category year over year: nonfatal accidents, fatal crashes, fatalities, total occurrences and incidents. Not included in our 2014 statistics is the June 23 fatal crash of a German-registered Learjet 35A that collided with a German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon. Both aircraft were participating in military maneuvers. Although badly damaged, the Eurofighter was landed safely but the two pilots aboard the Learjet perished when it crashed.