Business Jet Accident Fatalities Drop Nearly 35% in 2024

Non-U.S. turboprop accidents stayed unchanged but fatalities increased

NTSB Hawker 900X crash track (Photo: NTSB) — The NTSB depicted the track of the fatal flight of the Hawker 900XP on February 7. © National Transportation Safety Board

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

January 6, 2025

Fatalities from business jet accidents worldwide decreased from 32 in 2023 to 21 last year, according to preliminary data gathered by AIN. Five fatal accidents of U.S.-registered business jets resulted in 15 fatalities last year versus six accidents that claimed 23 in 2023. Non-U.S.-registered business jets experienced three fatal accidents that resulted in six fatalities last year versus three accidents and nine fatalities in 2023.

Two of the fatal business jet accidents last year occurred while on charter flights, while the six other fatal accidents involved private flights. The five N-numbered business jet fatal accidents were on February 7, a Hawker 900XP on a positioning flight (two fatalities); February 9, a chartered Bombardier Challenger 604 on approach (two fatalities); March 10, an Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind on approach (five fatalities); August 20, a Cessna Citation II on takeoff (two killed); and November 5, a HondaJet on takeoff (four fatalities plus one on the ground).

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.