Is it Safe to Fly in a Helicopter? Here’s What the Data Shows

On April 10, a helicopter carrying six people, including the pilot, on a sightseeing tour crashed into the Hudson River in New York City, killing those on board. As the Associated Press reported, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the incident. 

The crash is, without question, a tragedy. But if you have a helicopter ride coming up soon, there is some important information you need to know about helicopter safety.

While the answer to the question “Are helicopters safe?” is nuanced, a quick glance at accident statistics shows that the industry has made considerable strides in reducing risk to passengers. 

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, in 2013, there were 146 helicopter accidents in the U.S. In 2020, that number dropped to 94, marking a 36 percent decrease in accidents. In 2013, these accidents caused 61 fatalities, while in 2020, there were 35. 

“Having these statistics continue to move in a good direction is a positive, and I applaud my colleagues for all they do each day to make our industry safer,” Nick Mayhew, industry co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, shared in the report. “But we can do better. Zero fatalities remain our goal. Here at USHST, we continue to work on safety enhancements based on the accidents we have analyzed, and we’re regularly developing safety materials to support this effort.”

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does explain that “The accident rate for helicopters has traditionally been higher than the accident rate of fixed-wing aircraft, probably due to the helicopter’s unique capabilities to fly and land in more diverse situations than fixed-wing aircraft.” It also noted that pilot error can play a role, as pilots attempt “to fly the helicopter beyond the limits of his or her abilities or beyond the capabilities of the helicopter.”

It added that National Transportation Safety Board statistics show that approximately 80 percent of all aviation accidents are caused by pilot error, aka “the human factor.” 

Additionally, FAA data shows that though helicopter safety has improved, it is statistically riskier than commercial airline travel, with commercial carriers often reporting zero or near-zero fatal accidents in most years. This could be due to those pilot errors but are also likely due to the highly stringent regulations and multi-pilot crews on most commercial aircrafts, making a much more controlled environment than flying a helicopter. 

But notably, helicopters are increasingly equipped with advanced avionics, terrain awareness systems, and crash-resistant fuel systems, all of which contribute to fewer accidents and fatalities by removing the human factor.

If you are still interested in flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it’s good to dig into each company’s safety protocols, and if you’re nervous, ask about their pre-flight checks, weather assessments, and their pilots’ experiences. And, like on a commercial plane, it’s critical for passengers to take responsibility by intently listening to the pre-flight safety briefings so if an accident does occur, they’re prepared.