Key Jet and Turboprop Segments Report Zero Fatalities in First Half of 2012

Updated July 24, 2012

During the first half of this year, business jets and turboprops flown by paid flightcrews witnessed no fatalities for flights conducted in the U.S., according to the latest figures compiled by Robert E. Breiling Associates, of Boca Raton, FL.

“Business aviation continues to demonstrate its value as one of the safest forms of transportation,” said Doug Carr, NBAA vice president of safety, security, operations and regulation. “This safety record is a credit to U.S. business aircraft operators that invest significantly in training and equipment beyond just the minimums required by the FAA for these flights.”

Looking at the U.S business jet figures, the total number of overall accidents in the first half of 2012 declined from 14 to 11. The business jet commercial/air taxi category saw a slight decline in accidents from five to four year-over-year, while accidents in the corporate/executive jet category increased from two to five.

For U.S. turboprops, total accidents fell to 15 in the first half of this year, down from 24 during the same period in 2011. The turboprop commercial/air taxi category decreased from 12 to eight, while accidents in the corporate/executive jet category dropped from three to zero.

“It is important to note that turboprops operated by U.S. companies with paid flightcrews experienced no accidents during the recent period, a truly commendable achievement,” said Carr.

Though U.S.-registered business jets and turboprops flying in the corporate/executive category had no fatal accidents during the period, the report showed an overall increase in the total number of U.S. business aviation fatalities, with 23 reported in the first half of 2012, up from 15 in the 2011 period. For business jets in all categories, total fatalities rose from zero to 16 this year, while business turboprop fatalities for all categories declined from 15 to seven.

Noting some areas requiring improvement, Carr said that runway excursions remain a significant safety focus for the entire aviation industry, including business aviation.

“A review of the six-month data identifies seven incidents of aircraft running off the end or side of the runway,” he said. “While every situation is unique, the adoption of stabilized approach and stabilized landing criteria can play a significant role in reducing the likelihood of a runway excursion.”

Visit NBAA’s business aviation safety resources.