WASHINGTON (AP) — In a concerning development, the number of significant accidents involving military aircraft surged in 2024, according to internal Pentagon statistics, suggesting a troubling trend may persist into 2025.
The rate of severe accidents across military branches increased by 55% per 100,000 flight hours in the 2024 budget year compared to four years earlier, with the Marine Corps reporting the steepest rise, nearly tripling its accident rate during the same period.
This alarming data, which classified accidents as Class A—the most severe category that results in fatalities or permanent disability—was disclosed by the Defense Department to Congress and shared with the Associated Press exclusively. An aviation expert indicated that this uptick isn't likely due to a single issue, but rather a culmination of multiple factors ranging from increased operational demands, aging aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that drastically reduced flying hours.
In light of the rising accident rates, lawmakers are demanding answers and exploring legislative changes to improve the accessibility of safety reports. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who requested these statistics following a series of high-profile accidents related to the V-22 Osprey, expressed deep concern. ","Warren emphasized, “These accident rates are incredibly troubling and demand action.”
Analysis of data revealed that between the start of the 2024 budget year and July 31, there were 25 service members and Defense Department civilians killed, alongside 14 aircraft lost. Warren's office is now seeking even more detailed information and an analysis of notable trends from previous years.
The military's overall accident data suggests worrying patterns; the Apache helicopter has faced a 4.5-fold increase in Class A accidents over the four-year period, while the C-130 transport plane nearly doubled its serious accident rate.
Congressional debates surrounding these statistics spotlight the complexities of military aviation operations, which are often characterized by unpredictable environments and escalating demands, making decision-making under pressure a critical challenge for military pilots.
Accidents in 2024 further compounding these statistics included a series of notable incidents: a deadly mid-air collision involving an Army helicopter and a passenger jet resulted in 67 deaths, and recent training accidents led to fatalities among elite Army soldiers.
Industry experts assert that the operational pace and requirements on military pilots are ever-increasing, and this is likely a significant factor behind the rise in accidents. Some believe that the residual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may also play a role, as reduced flight time created a decrease in the safety buffer typically associated with regular operations.
As incidents unfold and investigations continue, Warren’s office is pressing for enhanced oversight into aviation mishaps, together with questions about training standards and operational safety protocols within the military.
