Air Travel Safety Compared to Driving: Exploring the Realities of General Aviation Safety
In the realm of personal travel, General Aviation (GA) flights might seem like an exciting and adventurous choice. However, a closer look at the statistics reveals a different picture. Despite improvements in safety over the years, GA flights remain statistically more hazardous than driving.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), GA accidents result in approximately 400 fatalities annually in the US alone, highlighting a relatively high fatality risk in this sector compared to driving. This high fatality rate can be attributed to several factors, including pilot error, mechanical failures, and loss of control in-flight (LOC-I), which carries a 94% fatality rate among GA accidents where it is a factor.
Pilot error is the leading cause of GA accidents, accounting for 69% of all incidents in 2021. LOC-I is the most common and fatal defining event in these accidents. In contrast, driving fatalities per vehicle mile traveled are much lower than fatal GA accidents per flight hour.
Mechanical failures are the second most common cause of GA accidents but result in fewer fatalities. About half of engine failures in GA flights are due to preventable factors involving pilots or maintenance. Fuel contamination is a common issue, often caused by water in the tank. Fuel starvation can occur due to selecting the wrong fuel tank or placing the fuel selector in the OFF position.
Many GA accidents happen during landing, but they are not typically the most fatal. Takeoff and climb accidents have a higher fatality rate due to the airplane's low-energy, low-altitude state with a high angle of attack. Stalls are the deadliest cause of takeoff and climb accidents, with 13 out of 30 reported stall-related takeoff accidents being fatal in 2021.
Unintended VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions had a 71% fatality rate in 2021. Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) is another leading cause of fatal accidents, often resulting from a total loss of situational awareness or attempts to "push" below minimums during instrument procedures.
It's important to note that instructional flights are much safer than personal flights due to a supervised environment, structured operations, high standards of maintenance, and higher pilot proficiency. Personal flights account for the majority of GA accidents and fatalities.
The FAA and the aviation industry are continually working to reduce GA fatal accidents. However, those considering personal flying should be aware of the higher relative risks and the critical importance of training and awareness to mitigate them. By understanding these risks, we can make informed decisions about our travel choices and prioritise safety in our aviation activities.
A private pilot's error is the leading cause of General Aviation (GA) accidents, accounting for 69% of all incidents in 2021, and Loss of Control in-flight (LOC-I) is the most common and fatal defining event in these accidents. In comparison, driving fatalities per vehicle mile traveled are much lower than fatal GA accidents per flight hour, highlighting the significant risk associated with personal flying.
