Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Why and When of Accidents 1. One fourth of forced landings are related to maintenance or mechanical failure. 2. 1/3 accidents in landing. 3. 1 in 5 accidents during takeoff. 4. 30% takeoffs and landings 5. 6% ground taxi 6. 6% collision with objects 7. Nearly 80% of all accidents take place during takeoff, approach, and within 2000' of the ground. 8. 90% of the accidents are generic (a matter of proficiency) and not specific to the aircraft. 9. The most likely aircraft accident will occur while taxiing. 10. The most dangerous times to fly is between 50 and 500 hours. 11. It is suicidal for a pilot with between 50 and 500 hours to taxi a plane that has been worked on by a mechanic. 12. Only 14% of serious (injury/death) accidents on takeoff are related to actual power failure. 13. At least another 14% occur because of incorrectly perceived power failure due to performance influenced by density/wind conditions. 14. The first ten hours in type are the most dangerous. 15. Accident frequency curves do not decrease until after 200 hours in type. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM