What Are The Chances Of A Plane Crashing? Is It More or Less Than A Car Accident?

Posted on 24th Aug, 2023 by Heena Ganotra , Updated 10 months ago

When travel plans are on the cards, we often find ourselves wondering about the risks associated with the same. The thoughts surrounding a plane crashing into ruins are no different.  

However, if we go by statistics, the chances of a plane crash are much less than the chances of a car accident. Let’s find out the evidence –

Understanding the Odds: Plane Crashes

It’s worth noting that advancements in aircraft design, maintenance protocols, and air traffic control systems have significantly contributed to this favorable safety record. Modern planes are equipped with redundant systems and fail-safes that enhance their ability to respond to potential risks.

What Do Officials Have To Say?

“Accidents are rare in aviation. There were five fatal accidents among 32.2 million flights in 2022. This tells us that flying is among the safest activities in which a person can engage,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.

What Do Statistics Have To Say?

Thus, statistically speaking, the chances of a plane crash are relatively low. 

According to the Airline Safety Performance released by IATA in 2022, the accident rate is around 1.21 accidents i.e. there’s 1 accident for every 0.83 million flights.

The aviation industry is able to maintain such safety because of its rigorous regulations, advanced technology, and stringent training for pilots and crew members. 

Plane Crashes In A Year

• 2021: 5 accidents
• 2020: 10 accidents
• 2019: 14 accidents
• 2018: 18 accidents
• 2017: 5 accidents
• 2016: 11 accidents
• 2015: 17 accidents
• 2014: 14 accidents
• 2013: 16 accidents
• 2012: 14 accidents
• 2011: 17 accidents
• 2010: 17 accidents

Fatalities In A Plane Crash In A Year

• 2021: 74 fatalities
• 2020: 303 fatalities
• 2019: 214 fatalities
• 2018: 422 fatalities
• 2017: 12 fatalities
• 2016: 249 fatalities
• 2015: 471 fatalities
• 2014: 863 fatalities
• 2013: 188 fatalities
• 2012: 389 fatalities
• 2011: 145 fatalities
• 2010: 647 fatalities

Airplanes That Crash Most Often

• Boeing 737: 149 accidents
• Boeing 747: 49 accidents
• Airbus A300: 33 accidents
• Airbus A320: 28 accidents
• Boeing 737 NG / Max: 27 accidents

Airplanes With the Most Plane Crash Deaths

• Boeing 737: 4,360 fatalities
• Boeing 747: 3,713 fatalities
• Airbus A300: 1,416 fatalities
• Boeing 737 NG / Max: 1,137 fatalities
• Airbus A320: 1,111 fatalities

Comparing the Numbers: Car Accidents

Car accidents, on the other hand, are an everyday thing. They are more common because of the hefty number of vehicles on the road. 

What Do Statistics Have To Say?

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic accidents lead to approximately 1.35 million deaths globally each year. The odds of being involved in a car accident are influenced by the number of miles driven, driving conditions, and individual behaviors.

Assessing Severity: Plane Crashes vs. Car Accidents

While it’s true that the chances of a plane crash are much lower than a car accident, the former is always more fatal. Due to the higher speeds and altitudes, the damage done in a plane crash is always more.

Chances Of Dying In A Plane Crash 

According to the US National Transportation Safety Board, 95% of passengers survived plane crashes, including 55% in the most serious incidents.

Arnold Barnett, an expert in the field of aviation safety and risk and Professor of Statistics at MIT, says –

“If you take one flight a day, you would on average need to fly every day for 55,000 years before being involved in a fatal crash.”

FAQs

Q: Can a plane crash from turbulence?

Ans: No, it is highly unlikely for a plane to crash from turbulence. 

Q: Can I increase my chances of surviving a plane crash?

Ans: While there are no sure-shot ways to increase the chances of surviving a plane crash, taking precautions like sitting at the back, not wearing clothes that catch fire easily, fastening the seat belt, and listening to the instructions given can greatly help.

Well, that’s all about airplane crashes! If the statistics could convince you regarding booking a flight, MyIndiaFlight can help you with the same. We are a leading air-ticketing platform specialized in booking USA to India flights and Australia to India flights. You can give us a call or join the live chat to resolve your queries or make flight reservations with us.