Story ID: 
Fatal Rotorcraft Accidents Spike in March
By: Amy Wilder
Caption: Overall accident rate dipped despite higher fatalities 
Word Count: 329
March marked the deadliest month for U.S. rotorcraft operations in fiscal year 2025 so far, with 11 reported accidents, four of which were fatal and resulting in six deaths, according to the FAA’s latest rotorcraft monthly accident briefing.
While the total number of accidents fell slightly from February, the number of fatal events was the highest for any single month so far this fiscal year (FY), which runs from October 1 to September 30 for the federal government. The four fatal crashes in March exceeded the previous monthly high of two for FY25 and were the most in any month since July 2024.
Of the 44 rotorcraft accidents reported between October 2024 and March 2025, 12 were fatal, resulting in 24 total deaths. The estimated fatal accident rate for the six-month period was 0.87 per 100,000 flight hours—68% higher than the same period last year and 29% above the five-year average. During the same period, the overall accident rate fell 4% year over year to 3.19 per 100,000 hours.
The personal/private sector led all industry categories in overall accidents (30%) and fatalities (nine fatalities in five fatal accidents). Helicopter air ambulance operations accounted for 14% of all accidents and 25% of fatalities (six deaths). Air tour/sightseeing flights contributed 9% of overall accidents in a tie with aerial application flights. Air ambulance fatalities totaled six, while sightseeing tours accounted for four fatalities.
Most accidents have occurred under Part 91 operations, which represented 64% of all rotorcraft accidents and 67% of the fatal ones in FY25 through March. Part 135 operations accounted for 14% of all accidents and 17% of the fatal ones, while Part 137 aerial applications accounted for 9% of accidents and 8% of fatal crashes.
Approximately 27% of rotorcraft accidents this fiscal year have involved a fatality—well above the 10- and 42-year historical averages, which both stand at 17%.
Data in the report excludes experimental aircraft, gyrocopters, and aircraft operating for public use. The FAA encourages the ongoing review of its Rotorcraft Accident Dashboard for real-time updates and trend tracking.