Craig D. Rosenbaum | September 22, 2026 | Aviation Accidents
Flying is widely regarded as one of the safest ways to travel. Still, aviation accidents do happen, and the consequences can be life-altering for passengers and their families. Learning about the latest plane crash statistics can help put the risks into perspective. It can also highlight why having legal representation matters if you have been injured in an aviation-related incident.
If you have questions about your rights after an aviation accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can walk you through your options. Until then, read on for the information you should know.
How Safe Is Air Travel in the United States?
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, transportation incidents across all modes resulted in 42,920 deaths in 2023. Of those, 40,901 involved highway transportation, accounting for roughly 95% of transportation fatalities. That means the vast majority of transportation deaths occur on the road rather than in other modes of transportation.
However, when plane crashes do occur, the outcomes can be severe. NTSB data shows 1,417 aviation crashes took place in the U.S. during 2024, and 258 of those were fatal. It is worth noting that the bulk of these incidents involved general aviation (think small private planes and charter flights) rather than large commercial carriers.
In fact, the midair collision at Reagan National Airport in January 2025 was the first fatal major commercial passenger flight accident in the country since 2009, and the deadliest since 2001. On a broader scale, NTSB investigations during the first quarter of 2025 came in lower than the first-quarter averages recorded between 2010 and 2019.
What Causes Most Plane Crashes?
Not every aviation accident has the same root cause. That said, research points to a handful of factors that show up again and again.
Pilot error is the leading contributor. As aircraft have grown more reliable over time, the share of crashes tied to pilot mistakes has risen, now hovering around 50 percent. This can include anything from poor decision-making to a simple misreading of instruments.
Mechanical failure still accounts for roughly 20 percent of aircraft accidents. Defective parts and improper repairs or maintenance can each play a role.
Weather is another significant factor, contributing to about 10 percent of aviation accidents. The remaining crashes tend to involve air traffic control errors and other less common circumstances.
Steps To Take After an Aviation Accident
If you or a family member has been involved in an aviation incident, protecting your health and your legal rights should be your top priorities. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions take time to show symptoms, and medical records will serve as important evidence later.
- Report the incident to the proper authorities. Depending on the situation, this may include the NTSB, the FAA, and law enforcement.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. Things like photos, witness contact information, and personal notes about what happened can all strengthen a future claim.
- Avoid making public statements or posting on social media about the accident. Anything you say could be used against you during the claims process.
From there, reach out to a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. You can receive some initial legal advice about your case at that time without any strings attached.
Contact Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York City Aviation Accident Attorney
Aviation accident cases often involve complex regulations at both the state and federal levels. Multiple parties could share liability, from the airline itself to the aircraft manufacturer and even a maintenance provider. The stakes are high in these cases; you could be entitled to substantial compensation in New York.
Contact Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a New York City aviation accident lawyer and learn about your best course of action moving forward. We work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if your case is successful.
We have three convenient locations around Manhattan, NY, near you in New York City, The Bronx, and Brooklyn.
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b, Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
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