Experimental Fatal Accident Rate Held Steady In 2025

EAA said data is a good sign and cites the findings as basis for continued safety initiatives.

Matt Ryan

Friday, February 06, 2026 at 12:20 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: Zach Vasile

[Credit: EAA

Key Takeaways:

Experimental-category aircraft experienced 42 fatal accidents in federal fiscal year 2025, narrowly meeting the FAA's three-year rolling average target.
The amateur-built segment accounted for 29 of these fatal accidents, continuing a decade-long decline.
This positive trend is attributed to expanded training and advisory resources for builders and pilots from organizations like EAA.
FAA officials commended the aviation community for the decrease in fatal accidents, even as flight hours have increased, highlighting safety as a continuous effort.

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Fatal accidents involving Experimental-category aircraft totaled 42 during the 2025 federal fiscal year, according to figures released by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Accidents during the period, covering Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025, remained within a Federal Aviation Administration three-year rolling average target, though by just one.

Data release was delayed due to last year’s extended federal government shutdown, EAA said.

The amateur-built segment saw 29 fatal accidents during that timeframe, a figure EAA said follows along with a longer-term decline over the past decade. EAA said the numbers align with expanded training and advisory resources for builders and pilots. Some of these resources include transition guidance for new owners and long-running technical counselor and flight advisor programs.

FAA officials, in comments cited by EAA, noted the continued decline in fatal accidents even as flight hours in the Experimental category have increased.

“The FAA has commended the aviation community for the continued downward trend in Experimental-category fatal accidents, even as flight hours have increased,” Sean Elliott, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety, said.

Elliott added that “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.”

EAA emphasized that the use of education and shared operational practices and resources remains central to pilots in the category.

2 thoughts on “Experimental Fatal Accident Rate Held Steady In 2025”

It should be noted that the accidents tracked by the EAA and FAA include *all* experimentals, not just Experimental Amateur-Built. This includes racing aircraft, aircraft licensed as Experimental-Exhibition, Experimental Light Sport, etc.

Many warbirds are licensed as Experimental Exhibition. For instance, the midair between the P-63 and the B-17 several years back was reflected in that year’s tally, as the P-63 was licensed Experimental Exhibition. Similarly, you’ll see L-29s and Yaks included.