The total number of helicopter accidents in the U.S. declined by 11 percent last year versus 2013, while the number of fatalities dropped 30 percent over the same period, according to statistics released by the U.S.Helicopter Safety Team (USHST). The number of helicopter accidents last year was 30-percent lower than a decade ago (130 versus 185 in 2005).
Before 2006, the year the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) was created, the number of worldwide civil helicopter accidents was rising at 2.5-percent annually. Since 2006, the number of accidents worldwide has been declining at 2 percent each year.
USHST government co-chair Jim Viola believes the safety messages and updated training scenarios created by both teams are beginning to make an impact. “One-hundred-thirty accidents during the year is still 130 too many, but we’re glad to see that the numbers are continuing to go down.
More helicopter operators, pilots, instructors and mechanics across the country are learning how to better manage risk and are infusing their culture with effective safety habits.,” he said.