People are flying now more than ever.
But with the rise in air traffic comes an increased risk of being involved in an aviation accident.
Whether it’s due to engine failure or defective landing gear, being involved in an aviation accident can be a terrifying experience.
Fortunately, air traffic is considered a safe means of transportation.
But when a plane does wreck, it is more likely to result in fatalities.
Smaller, less serious accidents involving private aircraft are more frequent than accidents with large commercial airplanes, and most of them go unreported in the media.
In the article below, we will discuss the most common types of aviation accidents.
How Safe Are Airplanes?
The safety of an airplane depends on the type of airplane it is.
Looking at overall fatal crash rates, statistics show that flight is one of the safest forms of travel.
The National Safety Council says the odds of dying as a passenger of an airplane are 1 in 188,106.
Air travel is the second safest form of travel, right behind railway travel.
But each aircraft crash is much more likely to be fatal than crashes in other forms of transportation.
Between 1982 and 2018, 20 percent of all aviation crashes and incidents involved at least one fatality.
Less than one percent of U.S. motor vehicle accidents are fatal.
Aviation crashes are most likely to occur in single-engine planes and typically in general aviation rather than commercial airlines.
79% of all aircraft accidents and 72% of fatal crashes involved single-engine planes.
So while you are much less likely to be involved in an aviation accident, the odds of that crash being fatal are higher.
Common Types of Aviation Accidents
Several aviation accidents occur with greater frequency compared to other types of accidents.
The more frequently occurring types of aviation accidents include:
- Accidents resulting from human error
- Mechanical failure
- Taxi and takeoff accidents
- Descent and landing accidents
- Issues related to flight maneuvers
- Fuel problems
More often than not, something will go awry during one of the phases of flight.
The initial problem is aggravated by another issue.
A mechanical failure may occur, which alone isn’t particularly significant.
However, due to pilot error, for instance, the initial problem could be aggravated, resulting in a plane crash that results in severe and fatal injuries.
Making sure your rights are fully protected in the aftermath of an aviation accident involves identifying all of the underlying causes.
Ensuring that all underlying causes of an aviation accident are identified will allow you to identify all potentially responsible parties.
An aviation accident lawyer understands the importance of a complete investigation of an aviation accident.
Common Causes of Airplane & Other Aircraft Accidents
To file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit following an aviation accident, you must prove that another person or party was at fault and is legally liable.
With commercial aviation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts investigations into the cause of the crash.
The NTSB’s report can be used to build your case along with an independent investigation to uncover additional evidence when appropriate.
In general aviation cases, your attorneys will work with teams of experts, including mechanical engineers and aircraft specialists, to investigate your incident,
This will help identify the cause of the accident and who is liable.
Some of the most common causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot inexperience or error
- Air traffic control errors
- Bird strikes
- Faulty equipment
- Defective equipment/machinery
- Unsafe weather conditions
- Air traffic controller error or negligence
- Maintenance engineer negligence
- Poor or insufficient maintenance
- Failure to conduct adequate repairs
- Negligent hiring
- Lack of proper training/supervision
Your aviation accident lawyer will know how to investigate your aviation accident claim and identify the cause of the crash or other incident.
Compensation For Aviation Crash Victims
Compensation available in an aviation accident case depends upon the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your incident and your injuries and other losses.
However, there are some specific types of injuries, damages, and losses an aviation accident lawyer can seek on your behalf:
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish and emotional distress
- medical bills and expenses
- permanent disability
- permanent disfigurement
- lost income
- property damage or loss
Alexander Shunnarah Can Represent Those Affected By Aviation Accidents
Aviation crash cases are often complex, involving various technical specialties.
An aviation accident attorney at Alexander Shunnarah Law will use their extensive experience to ensure they can represent their clients’ interests.
If you’re ready to work with a law firm with years of experience handling general and commercial aviation accident claims, contact Alexander Shunnarah today to schedule your free initial consultation.
