Helicopter safety statistics released this week by the FAA indicate that years’ worth of hard work by the agency and a number of industry groups to improve operational safety are paying off. The agency reported that the raw accident rate, as well as the fatal accident rate in helicopters, recorded a downturn for the third year in a row.
U.S. Helicopter Accident Numbers Continue to Decline
Key Takeaways:
- Helicopter safety statistics released by the FAA show a decline in both raw and fatal accident rates for the third consecutive year.
- In 2016, there were 106 helicopter accidents, marking a 12% decrease from 2015, with the overall accident rate falling to 3.19 per 100,000 flight hours.
- The fatal accident rate also improved, dropping to 0.51 per 100,000 flight hours in 2016, a significant reduction from 1.02 in 2013.
- These positive safety trends are attributed to collaborative efforts between the FAA and the helicopter industry, including promoting a safety culture, streamlining equipment approval, and utilizing advanced safety technologies.
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