The latest data from the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee reveals positive trends for the 2026 general aviation fatal accident rate. You can take a deep dive into the data, looking at accidents month by month or by category.
aviation accidents
Carburetor Icing Ends Instructional Flight Early
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
Pilot and Passenger Seriously Injured in Valley Crash
Probable Cause: The airplane’s encounter with gusting winds resulting in a loss of altitude with performance insufficient to outclimb terrain.
Pilot Loses Control During Water Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane in gusty wind conditions while flying low over water, which resulted in the floats impacting a wave and the airplane’s subsequent nose over into the water.
Trapped Rainwater Leads to Crash
Probable Cause: A loss of lateral control during takeoff due to an accumulation of water in the right wing.
Leaking Fuel Valve Leads to Luscombe 8 Crash
Probable Cause: A failure of the left fuel valve, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
Distracted Pilot Forgets to Extend Landing Gear
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
Pilot’s Delayed Aborted Landing Causes Mooney Crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his delay in aborting the landing.
Mechanic’s Faulty Alternator Wiring Triggers Cirrus Engine Fire
Probable Cause: The mechanic’s improper installation of the alternator wiring connections, which resulted in electrical arcing and thermal damage to the airplane.