WASHINGTON D.C. – The National Transportation Safety Board released preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2014 today showing a slight increase in fatal general aviation accidents, which increased from 222 in 2013 to 253 in 2014.

The overall number of general aviation accidents decreased slightly from 1,224 in 2013 to 1,221 in 2014. Despite reporting fewer accidents, the accident rate for general aviation aircraft increased from 6.26 per 100,000 flight hours in the previous year to 6.74 in 2014.

There were 28 accidents involving Part 121 operations (commercial air transport).

The number of accidents involving scheduled Part 135 (commuter) operations decreased from seven in 2013 to four in 2014.

On-demand Part 135 operations, which include charter, air taxi, air tour, and air medical flights, reported 35 accidents in 2014, down from 44 in 2013. The accident rate decreased from 1.30 per 100,000 flight hours in 2013 to 1.02 in 2014.

The 2014 statistical tables showing accidents, fatalities, and accident rates for major segments of U.S. civil aviation can be found here.