What are the odds of dying in a
Plane crash?

1 in 10,708
Lifetime odds of dying in a Plane crash in the US are 1 in 10,708.
You are more likely to die from Unintential Firearms discharge and less likely to die from Drowning.
Your odds of dying are 1 in 1. You will die. But you can insure against it. Learn more about life insurance. Click here.

The odds of dying in a commercial plane crash are actually quite low. In the US, the chance of dying in a fatal plane crash is one in about 11,000. That means that for every 11 thousand trips you take by commercial plane, you can expect one of them to be fatal.

Individual Factors Affecting the Odds

Of course, this number doesn't take into account any individual factors that might make you more likely to be in a crash. Still, the odds of dying in a commercial plane crash are far lower than the odds of dying in a car crash, which are about one in 615, or other causes like a heart attack or cancer.

For a list of other causes and their odds, click here.

Comparing Plane Crash Odds to Other Modes of Transportation

Statistically, air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation. The likelihood of dying in a plane crash is significantly lower than in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or even as a pedestrian. This means that if you're worried about dying in a plane crash, you're far more likely to die in a car on the way to the airport than you are to die in the plane itself.

Recent Years' Plane Crash Deaths Statistics

Looking at the yearly statistics, we can see that the number of deaths due to plane crashes has been relatively low in recent years. In 2021, there were 394 deaths from plane crashes in the US, with odds of one in 842,719. In 2020, the number of deaths was even lower, at 364, with odds of one in 906,263.

Factors That Can Impact Plane Crash Odds

It is important to note that the odds of dying in a plane crash can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the airline, the type of aircraft, and the conditions under which the flight is taking place. For example, flights that are taking off or landing are generally considered to be more dangerous than flights that are cruising at high altitude. Additionally, small planes are more likely to crash than large planes, and night flights are more likely to crash than daytime flights.

Advancements in Air Travel Safety

Despite these variations, however, the overall odds of dying in a plane crash in the US remain quite low. Thanks to advances in technology and safety measures, air travel has become one of the safest modes of transportation available.

Taking these factors into account, the odds of dying in a plane crash are comparatively low. So, if you're worried about dying in a plane crash, you can take some comfort in knowing that the chance to die in a plane crash are small. Of course, there's no guarantee that you'll never be in a plane crash, but the odds are in your favor.

Deaths per year in a Plane crash in the US and one-year odds of dying

Year Deaths one-year odds
2021 394 1 in 842,719
2020 364 1 in 906,263
2019 455 1 in 721,406
2018 408 1 in 800,710
2017 391 1 in 831,176
2016 417 1 in 774,436
2015 444 1 in 722,162
2014 423 1 in 752,482
2013 426 1 in 741,760
2012 441 1 in 711,632
2011 509 1 in 612,102
2010 486 1 in 636,460
2009 569 1 in 539,138
2008 562 1 in 541,085
2007 569 1 in 529,402
2006 671 1 in 444,679
2005 615 1 in 480,520
2004 699 1 in 418,898
2003 767 1 in 378,239