Aviation Fatalities Drop in 2006

Transportation fatalities in the United States decreased by 1.5 percent in 2006 from 2005, according to preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board. The data indicate that transportation fatalities in all modes totaled 45,026 in 2006, compared to 45,735 two years ago. While highway and rail fatalities declined and pipeline deaths remained virtually unchanged, marine and general aviation fatalities showed increases. Aviation deaths rose from 617 to 779. Nearly 90 percent of aviation fatalities occur in general aviation accidents (698) and they account for a significant majority of the increase in aviation-related deaths from 2005 to 2006. NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said “we must all work to promote safety across all transportation modes, with the Safety Board leading the way by continuing its emphasis our ‘Most Wanted’ list of safety improvements.” Aviation statistics are compiled by the NTSB.