Airports And Plane Crashes: A Statistical Breakdown

Plane crashes are rare but devastating events. In 2022, there were 39 aviation accidents globally, with some of the most notable crashes including the China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 crash in China, the Rio Branco Cessna Grand Caravan crash in Brazil, and the Tara Air DHC-6 Twin Otter crash in Nepal. While it is difficult to determine the exact number of plane crashes per airport, certain airports have been the sites of more crashes and incidents than others, such as the Tenerife airport disaster in 1977, which remains the largest loss of life in a single aviation accident.

Crashes per 100,000 flight hours

The number of crashes per 100,000 flight hours is a common metric used to assess the safety of air travel. Here is a list of crashes per 100,000 flight hours for various years:

• 1994: 9.08
• 2007: 6.84
• 2024: 0.01

Fatal crashes per 100,000 flight hours

• 1994: 9.08 (119)
• 1983: 0.04 (5)
• 2007: 6.84 (6)
• 2017: 0.01 (1)
• 2024: 0.01 (1)

Country-wise air crash statistics

• United States
• Russia
• Canada
• Brazil
• Colombia
• United Kingdom
• France
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• India

Causes of plane crashes

There are many factors that can cause a plane to crash. The most common causes are pilot error, mechanical failure, weather, terrorism, and pilot fatigue.

Survivors of plane crashes

Plane crashes are a rare occurrence, and data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that fatal flight accidents are uncommon in the US. However, when looking at flight accidents without casualties, these are more common among private and charter planes.

While plane crashes are rare, they do happen, and it is important to know what to do to increase your chances of survival in such an event. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Seat selection: According to a 2012 experiment, your seat choice can impact your chances of survival in a plane crash. The experiment involved scientists intentionally crashing a Boeing 727 in a Mexican desert to determine the safest seats. The results indicated that passengers seated at the front, especially in first class, had the lowest chances of survival. Those in the middle, over the wings, were likely to suffer serious but non-fatal injuries, while passengers at the rear had the highest probability of walking away with minor or no injuries. However, it's worth noting that these findings are specific to crashes where the front of the plane impacts the ground first. In a tail-first crash, the outcomes could be different, with rear passengers at greater risk.
• Brace position: The same 2012 experiment also highlighted the importance of assuming the brace position during a crash. Crash test dummies placed in the brace position experienced less stress on their spines and sustained fewer severe injuries than those seated upright. While the brace position can increase leg pressure, potentially leading to broken bones, it is still recommended to reduce the risk of head and spinal injuries.
• Safety features: Modern aircraft are designed with numerous safety features to protect passengers in the event of a crash. These features contribute to the overall safety of air travel, making it one of the safest modes of transportation.
• Stay calm and follow instructions: In an emergency, staying calm and following the instructions of the flight crew can greatly improve your chances of survival. Listen carefully to the safety briefing before the flight, and take note of the nearest exit row. In the event of a crash, try to remain calm and follow the crew's instructions for evacuating the plane.
• Be mindful of the most dangerous times: Takeoff and landing are considered the most dangerous phases of a flight. The constant configuration changes, navigation, communication with air traffic control, and dynamic weather conditions increase the potential for unexpected events. Being aware of these critical phases can help you stay vigilant and prepared.

While the thought of a plane crash can be unsettling, it is important to remember that air travel is extremely safe, with a very low probability of accidents. These survival tips can further enhance your chances of a positive outcome in the rare event of a crash.

Frequently asked questions