Aviation accidents, as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), include any occurrence associated with aircraft operation resulting in serious injury, death, or substantial aircraft damage. These incidents may occur during boarding, takeoff, flight, or landing.
Understanding the Definition and Scope of Aviation Accidents
An aviation accident, as defined by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), involves any aircraft-related occurrence that results in:
- Serious injury or fatality
- Substantial structural or mechanical damage to the aircraft
- Damage to property or injury to persons on the ground
- Loss of aircraft or aircraft systems functionality
These incidents may happen at any stage of flight, including:
- Pre-boarding (e.g., tripping over unattended equipment on the tarmac)
- Taxi and takeoff (e.g., runway collision due to pilot error)
- In-flight (e.g., depressurization or unrestrained beverage carts causing injury)
- Landing and disembarkation (e.g., rough landing due to pilot negligence)
Aviation Accident vs. Aviation Incident
| Feature | Aviation Accident | Aviation Incident |
| Outcome | Injury, death, or damage | No serious consequences |
| Legal liability | Often actionable | Usually non-actionable |
| Example | Rough landing causes spinal injury | Minor turbulence |
What is an aviation accident? It’s not limited to crashes. Injuries from negligence—even on the ground—can be classified as an aviation accident.
What is an aircraft accident? When a passenger or crew is hurt or the aircraft sustains damage due to operational failure or human error.
Aircraft incident definition: An event that could affect safety but does not result in injury or substantial damage.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
| Cause | Description |
| Pilot Error | Contributes to over 50% of aircraft accident causes |
| Mechanical Failure | Includes engine failure, brake failure, and structural issues |
| Weather Conditions | Turbulence, wind shear, and poor visibility |
| Crew Negligence | Unsecured carts, improper communication, inattention |
| Runway or Ground Accidents | Slips, trips, equipment collisions during taxiing or boarding |
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Statistics & FAA Reports
Why Legal Help Is Essential After an Aviation Accident
- Navigating FAA and NTSB protocols is complex
- Injury claims require expert legal positioning
- Liability can involve pilots, manufacturers, airlines, or maintenance providers
If an aircraft is involved in an accident, securing representation from a law firm experienced in aviation law is crucial. At LedgerLaw.com, we help victims:
- File structured legal claims
- Analyze aircraft manufacturer liability
- Obtain compensation for medical treatment, trauma, and lost income
Up: A Closer Look at Aviation Injuries
Airplane crashes are not regular occurrences, but when it does, passengers’ lives are always on the line. The mishap either seriously injures them or takes their precious lives. While crashes are not a common occurrence, aviation accidents run a different course as these accidents happen frequently.
Aviation accidents are those incidents on a plane causing injuries to passengers on account of the pilot, crew, or owner’s negligence. Any kind of accident that transpires in an aircraft before, during, or after a flight such as sudden depressurization, unsecured carts, broken seats, and negligent flight cabin crew—which consequentially causes injuries to passengers—can qualify as an aviation accident.
Instances of Aviation Accidents
Instances of Aviation Accidents refer to events where individuals are injured due to aircraft-related operations, including boarding, flying, or landing. These incidents often involve negligence, equipment failure, or safety violations and can lead to legal claims for compensation under federal or state aviation laws based on proven liability.
Injuries Caused by Equipment Left on the Tarmac
An example of this kind of accident is when you are about to board a plane and as you are walking on the tarmac, you suddenly trip over a piece of equipment or furniture left lying on the ground and causes you injuries or your person. Injury sustained from this circumstance will entitle you to claim damages based on certain federal and state laws on aviation accidents.
Injuries from Rough Landings Due to Pilot Negligence
Another instance is if you are boarding as a passenger on a plane which is making an unnecessary rough landing due to the pilot’s negligence on the tarmac of the Los Angeles International Airport and as a result of which you hit your head or hurt your back, you are entitled to claim for damages arising from aviation-related injuries.
Negligence and Liability in Aviation Accidents
As you will note, many aviation injuries are attributed to the negligence of the airplane crew, the airline company, or airplane manufacturers—depending on who has direct and subsidiary liability. Whoever has the direct and heaviest liability to the injuries you have sustained will be the one who must primarily answer for the damages caused. Note however, the plane does not need to crash in order for you to make a claim for damages for any injuries you incur while on board the plane. And also please note that sustaining injuries is one thing but claiming them is another, even when you are technically entitled to all applicable damages from aviation injuries. Different sorts of laws and regulatory agencies cover aviation accidents and it may be commercial, private, or military in nature.
Medical and Psychological Impact of Aviation Injuries
Another serious thing to ponder on aside from these legalities is the injuries sustained by victims from aviation accidents. Injuries sustained by victims from these mishaps are often traumatic and disabling. It requires constant medical attention, such as surgeries, treatments, and physical rehabilitation. If the victim suffered psychological trauma on account of the aviation accident, therapy sessions will be needed as well. All these can pile up to astronomical costs and the victim’s suffering is already as grave as it is without all these expenses. But this inconvenience can also pave way for victims to claim damages for loss of current and future earnings, pain and suffering. The victim can also claim for loss of consortium, if applicable, should the injury lead to the loss of marital rights.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Aviation Injury Lawyer
Aviation injury cases require not just legal knowledge but also deep technical understanding of aviation regulations and accident causation. This is why working with a seasoned aviation injury lawyer is critical. Emery Brett Ledger, founder of The Ledger Law Firm, is nationally recognized for his success in representing victims of complex aviation injury cases. His extensive experience, legal acumen, and unwavering commitment to justice make him a top choice for individuals seeking fair compensation after an aviation-related injury.
FAQ: Legal Rights After Aviation Accidents in the U.S. – What Injured Passengers Need to Know
What is an aviation accident?
An aviation accident involves injury, death, or damage linked to an aircraft’s operation. This can occur while boarding, in-flight, or during landing. It’s different from an aviation incident, which may not cause injuries. If an aircraft is involved in an accident, victims may be eligible for compensation under U.S. aviation law.
What qualifies as an aircraft accident under FAA guidelines?
The FAA defines an aircraft accident as an occurrence in which a person is seriously injured or killed, or the aircraft sustains significant damage. Understanding what is aircraft accident vs. aviation incident is essential when determining liability.
How often do aviation accidents occur?
According to recent aviation accident statistics, U.S. commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, but general aviation still records over 1,000 accidents yearly. See current aviation accident news for updates.
What are some real-world examples of aviation accidents?
Aviation accident examples include emergency landings, in-flight injuries due to turbulence, and crashes due to mechanical failure. Even non-crash injuries from overhead bins or jet bridge accidents qualify under certain conditions.
How is an aviation accident investigated?
An aviation accident investigation is conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which examines flight data, interviews witnesses, and evaluates aircraft components. The findings are documented in an aviation accident report used for litigation and policy recommendations.
Do I need a lawyer if injured in an aviation-related incident?
Yes. Due to the legal complexity of air travel laws and international treaties, you need an experienced aviation accident attorney. Visit LedgerLaw.com to speak with a legal expert in aviation injury claims.
Emery Brett Ledger brings more than 27 years of experience to personal injury law. He founded & led The Ledger Law Firm in securing over $100 million in compensation for clients with life-altering injuries & complex claims. Licensed in California, Texas, & Washington, Emery earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. His practice areas include car & truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, maritime claims, & mass tort litigation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100, Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Top 25, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Emery also received the 2025 Elite Lawyer Award & holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating with Platinum Client Champion status. His legal work has been featured on CNN, Forbes, NBC, & ABC.
