The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) says that, according to FAA data, fatal accidents in experimental amateur-built aircraft declined 17 percent for the 12-month period ending September 2016, compared to figures from a year earlier. The FAA specifically listed 33 accidents in the most recent period versus 40 during the prior year and 51 for the period from October 2013 to September 2014. Fatal accident numbers also dropped for experimental aircraft defined as racing, exhibition only and research and development categories, as well as some light sport aircraft. Numbers in these specific groups dropped from 61 to 49 in the last reporting period, marking one of the lowest single-year fatal accident totals since the FAA began keeping records.
Homebuilt Aircraft Accident Numbers Decline Again
Key Takeaways:
- Fatal accidents in experimental amateur-built aircraft significantly declined by 17% in the 12 months ending September 2016, with other experimental categories also reaching near-record low accident totals.
- The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) attributes these safety improvements to its focused initiatives aimed at reducing loss-of-control accidents, a leading cause of fatalities.
- EAA's credited programs include the Founder's Innovation Prize (featuring innovations like the Airball device), easing the adoption of new safety technology, approving additional safety pilots for initial flight testing, and enhancing pilot training and advisory support.
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