According to the latest worldwide data published by the National Safety Council in 2007, there were 18 scheduled air service aircraft accidents in 2005, resulting in 713 fatalities to passengers. Compared to 2004, the 2005 data illustrate a noticeable deterioration in passenger safety — reported accidents increased by two-fold and fatalities by 3.5 fold. The 713 deaths resulted in a preliminary fatality rate of 0.02 per 100 million passenger-kilometers — a two-fold increase in risk compared to the prior year.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported in 2007 its latest Annual Review of Aircraft Accident Data for U.S. Air Carrier Operations, for calendar year 2003. Their review covers aircraft operated by U.S. air carriers under Title 14, Parts 121 and 135 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Air carriers are generally defined as operators that fly aircraft in revenue service.

The NTSB’s accident review data show a total of 130 accidents occurred among U.S. air carriers in 2003, up 20% from 2002: 54 Part 121 accidents, 2 scheduled Part 135 accidents, and 74 on-demand Part 135 accidents.

As in the foregoing years, Part 121 air carriers had the lowest accident rates of all commercial operations (tables 1 and 2) in 2003, and accident rates for on-demand Part 135 air carrier operations were almost 10 times greater than rates for Part 121 operations. A total of 21 fatal accidents occurred in 2003: 2 for Part 121 operations, 1 for scheduled Part 135, and 18 for on demand Part 135.

 

Definitions:

Part 121
Usually includes operators that fly large transport category aircraft. An operation is scheduled if an air carrier or operator offers in advance the departure location, departure time, and arrival location.

Regulations limit Part 121 operations to controlled airspace and controlled airports that have available specific weather, navigational, operational, and maintenance support.

Scheduled Part 135
A scheduled passenger carrying operation that flies to smaller airports that do not provide the services required to support Part 121 operations. Includes commercial air carriers flying smaller jet and turboprop aircraft commonly referred to as commuter airlines. The definition for scheduled operations in Part 121 also applies to Part 135.

On-Demand Part 135
Any operation for compensation or hire for which the departure location, departure time, and arrival location are negotiated with the customer. Customers can arrange to charter an entire aircraft or book a single seat on an air taxi. Also includes medical evacuation flights when a patient is on board.