The U.S. business aircraft fleet was involved in 45 percent fewer accidents in 2009, marking one of the safest years yet for business aircraft operators. Business jets and turboprops combined for 44 accidents in 2009, down from 64 in 2008, according to statistics compiled by Robert E. Breiling Associates. Business aircraft (both jets and turboprops) were involved in eight fatal accidents that resulted in 32 fatalities in 2009, compared with 32 fatal accidents and 58 fatalities in 2008.

The improved performance comes during a down year for business aircraft operations. "Undoubtedly, the estimated decrease in flight hours by some 18 percent to 20 percent in both aircraft categories is one major contributing factor,” noted Breiling Associates. But the pace of improvement outstripped the decline in flight hours.