EAA reports 2025 Experimental aircraft fatal accident rate

After seeing another positive total in Experimental-category accident totals for the 2025 federal fiscal year, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is using the news as a foundation to build on safety programs and mindset in the new year.

In the period from 1 October 2024, through 30 September 2025, fatal accidents in the Experimental category totaled 42 - 1 under the 'not-to-exceed' number set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prior to that period. The not-to-exceed number is based on a rolling average based on the previous 3 years' data. The fiscal year 2024-25 data was delayed because of the government shutdown this past fall.

"The FAA has commended the aviation community for the continued downward trend in Experimental-category fatal accidents, even as flight hours have increased," said Sean Elliott, EAA's vice president of advocacy and safety. "Enhancing safety in aviation, just as in any other recreational pursuit, is a never-ending effort but the latest numbers are an excellent foundation on which to build upon."

Within the entire Experimental aircraft category, the amateur-built segment remained steady with 29 fatal accidents during the most recent data period. This continues the trend of fatal accidents in amateur-built aircraft declining by more than 25% over the past decade. It also coincides with the growth of EAA safety programs for aircraft builders and amateur-built aircraft pilots, ranging from the relatively new subsequent-owner guidance for transition training to the traditional EAA Technical Counselor and Flight advisor programs available throughout the country.

"What is most gratifying is the growth of the 'safety mindset,' which is using education rather than regulation to produce a safer aviation community," Elliott said. "Aviators of Experimental-category aircraft take their responsibility seriously as they continuously practice their skills and share information on the best practices in the cockpit each time they fly."

(article source: Experimental Aircraft Association / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)