NTSB reports decline in aircraft accidents

Airline Industry Information, July 14, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that 2002 was the safest ever year for the USA's major airlines.

Figures show that there were no deaths in 2002 and only nine serious injuries due to accidents on US commercial flights. According to the NTSB, there were 34 commercial airline accidents in 2002, with most considered minor. The only accident recorded as "major" was the 26 July crash of a Federal Express cargo aircraft, which was destroyed but the crew managed to survive. The board also classified one passenger aircraft accident as "serious", when an America West aircraft ran off a runway injuring ten people, one seriously.

The decline in aircraft incidents is thought to be due to advances in technology, including enhanced ground proximity warning systems, and aircraft training simulators, reported The Associated Press.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))