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Aviation News Item: 03869
9th Jan 2010
U.S. BizAv Accidents Down 45 Percent In 2009
Source: aviationweek.com
 The U.S. business aircraft fleet was involved in 45 percent fewer accidents in 2009, marking one of the safest years yet for business aircraft operators. Business jets and turboprops combined for 44 accidents in 2009, down from 64 in 2008, according to statistics compiled by Robert E. Breiling Associates. Business aircraft (both jets and turboprops) were involved in eight fatal accidents that resulted in 32 fatalities in 2009, compared with 32 fatal accidents and 58 fatalities in 2008.
The improved performance comes during a down year for business aircraft operations. "Undoubtedly, the estimated decrease in flight hours by some 18 percent to 20 percent in both aircraft categories is one major contributing factor," noted Breiling Associates. But the pace of improvement outstripped the decline in flight hours.
The business jet fleet was involved in eight accidents, including one fatal accident with two crew fatalities in 2009. This compares with 23 business jet accidents that included five fatal accidents and 20 fatalities during 2008.
Four of the nonfatal jet accidents involved were professionally flown under Part 91. This is half the number of professionally flown Part 91 business jet accidents in 2008. There were no fatal accidents involving professionally flown Part 91 business jets in 2009, and one in 2008.
Nonprofessionally flown business jets, meanwhile, accounted for one nonfatal accident in 2009, compared with seven accidents and two fatal accidents in 2008.
Business turboprops accounted for 36 accidents, including seven fatal that resulted in 30 passenger and crew fatalities. This was down from the 41 turboprop accidents, 18 fatal accidents and 38 fatalities in 2008.
But, Part 91 professionally flown turboprop operations had a poorer accident record in 2009. Eight of the turboprop accidents involved professionally flown aircraft under Part 91. Three of those were fatal, and they resulted in 21 fatalities. This compares with the three accidents, two fatal accidents and 11 fatalities involving professionally flown turboprops under Part 91 in 2008.
Nonprofessionally flown turboprops fared better in 2009, with 18 accidents, four fatal accidents and nine fatalities. This compares with 23 accidents, 12 fatal accidents and 21 fatalities in 2008.
Aircraft flown under Part 135 commercial/air taxi purposes were involved in 11 accidents, one of which was fatal with two crew fatalities in 2009. That is down from the 19 Part 135 commercial/air taxi accidents, six fatal accidents and 18 fatalities in 2008. Major fractional aircraft ownership providers were involved with one nonfatal accident in 2009. That compares with three accidents involving fractionals in 2008.
Robert E. Breiling Associates compiles accident data in The Annual Business Turbine Aircraft Accident Review, which provides an in-depth review of business jet, turboprop and turbine helicopters worldwide. The 2009 review will be available shortly.
For more information, contact Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc. at (561) 338-6900, fax (561) 393-9127 or e-mail rbreiling@bigplanet.com. See table on page 18.
By Kerry Lynch (kerry_lynch@aviationweek.com)
Photo credit: Cessna
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