How Common Are Plane Crashes? Statistics, Safety Tips & More

As a full time traveller and digital nomad who’s been to 45 countries, I spend a lot of time on planes. And while I’m not necessarily scared of flying, sometimes the thought “how common are plane crashes?”, unexpectedly pops into my head. Then it can become a downward spiral of concerns as the plane is taking off.

So if you’re in the same boat, I’m here to settle some nerves by providing you with facts, and statistics, answering your questions, and safety tips when it comes to flying and plane crashes. 

Let’s get into it! 

How many planes crash each day?

The frequency of plane crashes is a key concern for both frequent flyers and those considering air travel. Fortunately, the number of daily plane crashes is exceptionally low. On average, there are only a handful of incidents annually, and it’s essential to note that the vast majority of flights occur without any issues.

How many planes crash a year? 

Looking at the broader picture, the annual number of plane crashes remains relatively low when compared to the total number of flights. Commercial aviation is a highly regulated industry with stringent safety standards and protocols. The collaboration of various entities, including airlines, air traffic controllers, and aviation authorities, ensures that the likelihood of a plane crash is minimal.

In 2022 alone, there was only 1 major accident every 5.8 million flights. 2021 was 2 major accident every 7.6 million flights and the five-year average (2018-2022) was 1 major accident every 6.4 million flights. So as you can see, plane crashes aren’t very common. The fatality risk over the five-year average was 0.05 so it’s really not something to worry about.

How often do planes crash into each other? 

Collisions between planes are exceedingly rare. The meticulous coordination of air traffic controllers, advanced radar systems, and strict adherence to flight paths contribute to a safe and efficient airspace. While mid-air collisions are headline-grabbing events, they are statistically unlikely due to the robust safety measures in place.

Airlines with the most plane crashes

Though the overall safety of air travel is commendable, it’s worth noting that some airlines have experienced multiple incidents over the years. These incidents are often thoroughly investigated by organizations such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to identify any patterns or systemic issues within the airline’s operations.

When Do Planes Most Often Crash?

The phase of flight plays a crucial role in understanding when accidents are more likely to occur. Studies show that the most vulnerable periods are during takeoff and landing. Pilots undergo extensive training to handle these critical phases, and aircraft are equipped with advanced technologies to mitigate risks during these stages of a flight.

Boeing took a look at different plane crashes and discovered that nearly 50% of fatal accidents took place during the final approach onto the runway. These accidents generally take place within the last 8 minutes of the flight when the plane is close to the ground.

Another 13% of fatalities occurred during the takeoff and initial climb and only about 10% of accidents happen when the plane is cruising.

Plane Crashes in 2023

Taking a closer look at recent years, it’s essential to analyze the data for 2023 to understand any emerging trends or changes in the aviation landscape. By staying informed about the latest statistics, authorities can identify areas for improvement in aviation safety and implement necessary changes.

While 2023 isn’t completely over at the time of writing this post (December 19, 2023), the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) has shared that there have been 4920 occurrences/accidents this year. While the total number of fatalities aren’t listed, it’s much less than the total number of accidents.

What is the Chance of Dying in a Plane Crash?

Understanding the likelihood of dying in a plane crash involves considering various factors such as the overall number of flights, the number of fatalities, and the specific circumstances of each incident. The risk of death in a plane crash is incredibly low, thanks to the continuous efforts of the aviation industry to enhance safety measures.

Pilot Error and Other Common Causes

To give you an idea of how common plane crash fatalities are, we can look at the five-year average (2018-2022). The average of fatalities over those 5 years was 231 people, with a 0.13% risk of fatality when on a commercial flight.

Pilot error is one of the leading causes of plane crashes. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the aviation industry actively addresses this issue through comprehensive pilot training programs and strict adherence to safety protocols. Other common causes include mechanical failure, bad weather, and air traffic controller error. Each incident is thoroughly investigated to identify the root causes and implement preventive measures.

The Most Dangerous Plane

Contrary to popular belief, singling out a specific “dangerous” plane is misleading. Commercial planes undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to meet strict safety standards set by aviation authorities. Any claim of a “most dangerous” plane often stems from isolated incidents rather than inherent flaws in the aircraft.

So while you could seek out the highest number of incidents on a specific plane, that isn’t the best indicator of whether or not it’s safe to fly in that plane. There are many other factors at play when flying so I wouldn’t focus on this metric.

Is Driving More Dangerous Than Flying?

You’ve probably heard that flying is safer than driving and the good news is that that’s true! So if you have a fear of flying, know that experiencing a car crash is a higher possibility than a plane crash.

To put air travel risks into perspective, it’s worth comparing them to the dangers of driving. While plane crashes capture more media attention, statistically, driving is a more common cause of fatalities. The aviation industry’s commitment to safety measures and continuous improvement makes flying a remarkably safe mode of transportation.

Is a Smaller Plane More Dangerous Than a Larger Plane?

​​The size of the aircraft does not necessarily correlate with safety. Both large commercial airplanes and smaller general aviation aircraft undergo rigorous safety evaluations. The critical factors influencing safety are the adherence to proper maintenance procedures, pilot training, and compliance with aviation regulations.

With that being said, there have been more accidents on a smaller aircraft. Smaller planes fall into the ‘general aviation’ category, which is different than ‘commercial aviation’ and includes small aircrafts, fixed-wing and helicopters.

Pilots flying small planes have a higher chance of getting in an accident but why is that? Some common occurrences are due to running off the runway or landing short which is due to low speed but usually isn’t fatal.

Fatalities in smaller planes occur when pilots lose control and unfortunately this can happen more with general aviation because of a lack of relevant experience and recent practice in the air. This is where accidents with private planes come in. Having recent experience flying a smaller plane mis crucial when avoiding these types of accidents.

Aviation Safety Measures/Tips and Organizations

The aviation industry invests heavily in safety measures to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. Organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) play vital roles in establishing and enforcing safety standards.

When it comes to flight safety, here are a few things to keep in mind during your next flight.

• Emergency Exit Seat – In case you need to exit the plane, it’s best to be near an emergency exit. If possible, choose a seat within 5 rows, either side of an emergency exit. Aisle seat is believed to be the best for a quick exit as well.
• Leave Everything Behind – Seriously. Your carry on luggage is not as important as your life.
• Quick Exit – If you need to make an emergency exit off a plane, stay clam and try to do so within 90 seconds. This is because it can take only 90 seconds for a plane to go up in flames so do your best to disembark immediately.
• Put on Oxygen Mask Immediately – If an oxygen mask drops, put it on immediately because only a few seconds of oxygen deprivation can cause mental harm.
• Wear Comfy and Flat Shoes – If you need to get up quickly, wearing heels will slow you down!

Frequently Asked Questions About Plane Crashes

Here a few other questions related to how common are plane crashes.

How Often Do Mechanical Errors Occur?

Mechanical problems don’t occur very often. They only make up around 20% of the plane crashes that occur – however, when they do occur, they unfortunately have a higher chance of fatalities on board.

What’s Been the Safest Year to Fly?

Flying has been getting safer in recent years, with 2021 being the safest year to fly since 2017. This is based off the number of accidents that have occurred on planes, as well as the average over the course of many years. While the number of plane crashes was slightly higher in 2022 than 2021, aviation disasters have been on a sharp decline in recent years. The numbers will of course fluctuate year to year but have been generally declining since the 1980s when fatal injures per year would be around 1500 people.

All of this is to say, that flying now is safer than it’s ever been.

How Many Plane Crashes Happened Last Year?

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were 39 total plane crashes in 2022. Only 5 of those accidents were fatal with a 0.11% fatality risk.

Do Weather Conditions Affect Plane Crashes?

As you can probably imagine, inclement weather can sometimes lead to unexpected events such as a loss of control of the plane, leading to a crash. This can happen when there is heavy rain, high winds, when lightning strikes or just generally when there is poor weather/visibility.

Weather conditions account for roughly 11% of the plane crashes that occur so it’s best to wait it out when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Other Post You Might Like…

Looking for more flight info? You might find these other blog posts helpful!

• How Far is Las vegan From New York? Flight Options + More
• Alaska Airlines vs Delta Airlines: Which Airline is Best? Full Guide
• Can You Bring Melatonin on a Plane? Travel Tips for Sleep and Jet Lag

So … How Common Are Plane Crashes? 

While plane crashes capture headlines and fuel fears, the statistics indicate that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Continuous advancements in technology, rigorous safety measures, and thorough investigations of incidents contribute to the overall improvement of aviation safety. Understanding the risks, adhering to safety protocols, and staying informed about the latest developments are essential steps toward ensuring a secure and worry-free future for air travel.

I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! 

Cheers, 

Amy xx 

P.S. Like this post or found it helpful? Consider buying me a coffee or share it with a friend 👇🏼