Ag Aviation’s Total Accident Rate Continues to Decline but Fatal Accident Rate Holds Level

The results from the 2023 FAA General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) have been released. Ag aviators flew a total of 1,108,645 hours in 2023, an increase from the 831,999 hours flown in 2022. There were 60 ag aviation accidents, including 12 fatal accidents, in 2023. The overall ag aviation accident rate in 2023 was 5.41 accidents per 100,000 ag hours flown. The 2023 fatal ag aviation accident rate was 1.08 fatal ag aviation accidents per 100,000 flown.  

The addition of the 2023 GA survey data shows that ag aviation accident trends continue to follow the pattern described in the Winter 2025 issue of Agricultural Aviation. The total accident rate continues to decline while the fatal accident rate remains level, as shown in the figure below.  Since PAASS began in 1999, the overall ag accident rate has declined by 27.3%. The fatal ag aviation accident rate has declined 5.2% since PAASS began.  

The 2023 accident rate for the remainder of general aviation (excluding part 135) was lower than ag aviation’s rate at 4.55 accidents per 100,000 hours flown. General aviation’s 2023 fatal accident rate was 0.74 fatal accidents per 100,000 hours flown, which is also lower than ag aviation’s fatal accident rate. 

The 2024 GA Survey data collection has already begun. Please help our industry and aviation in general by providing accurate information to the FAA if you are invited to participate.