GA Accidents Way Up In October

General aviation totaled 340 fatal accidents in fiscal year (FY) 2004 (October 1, 2003-September 30, 2004), well within the 349 "not-to-exceed" cap established by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. Unfortunately, GA is not off to a very good start in FY 2005 with 39 fatals recorded during the month of October 2004 alone. That's the second deadliest October in over six years.

Five of the October fatals were in experimental amateur-built aircraft, indicating a continuing trend toward lower fatal accident rates for homebuilts. For FY 2004, homebuilts totaled 47 fatals, down from 52 in FY 2003 and 63 in FY 2002. Past October totals were 1999 - 8; 2000 - 4; 2001 - 7; 2002 - 3; 2003 - 7.

The October 2004 statistics should be a wake-up call for all pilots and mechanics. We all must work toward reversing these high numbers as we enter the winter months and their challenges, like icing conditions, marginal VFR, night flying, etc.

Take advantage of safety initiatives available to you. For EAA homebuilders, be sure to take full advantage of the EAA Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors programs.

Don't forget that the Safety Program managers at your local FAA FSDO and your state DOT Department of Aeronautics/Aviation can provide safety information to cover all aspects of flying and maintenance on your aircraft. Consider inviting them to your local EAA Chapter meetings for safety discussions.

(Special thanks to Dick Knapinski at EAA)

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.eaa.gov