Accidents up, deaths downUpdated 17 October 2026
Trend summary
- Flying in Canada is no more dangerous than a decade ago, but accidents have crept back up as traffic recovered from the pandemic.
- The TSB recorded 204 air accidents in 2025, up 5% and the third rise in a row. Fatal accidents fell to 22 and deaths to 33, below the 10-year average of 39.
- Per 100,000 aircraft movements, the accident rate held at 3.0, the same as 2024.
- Runway incursions reached 639 in 2024, a 15-year high, and remain on the TSB Watchlist.
204air accidents in Canada, 2025 (+5%)
33aviation deaths, 2025 (46 in 2024)
3.0accidents per 100,000 movements, 2025
639runway incursions in 2024, a 15-year high
What the numbers show
The TSB’s 2025 statistics show 204 accidents, 22 of them fatal, and 33 deaths. Accidents fell to 171 in 2020 and 167 in 2022 as flying collapsed, then rose for three straight years. Over the longer run there is little change: 251 accidents and 47 deaths in 2015, and the TSB calls the shift in the accident rate statistically insignificant (TSB). Reported incidents rose 15% to 937, and helicopters accounted for 35 accidents, above their average of 27.
What is driving it
The TSB’s 2025 Watchlist names the persistent problems: runway incursions, which climbed from 539 in 2018 to 639 in 2024; runway overruns, about nine a year, where safety areas at runway ends are still not good enough; and fatigue among flight crews and other transport workers. The bounce in accident numbers mostly follows the return of traffic, since the accident rate per movement stayed flat.
Recent cases
- 5 March 2026: the TSB reports on the January 2024 Jetstream crash at Fort Smith, NWT, which killed six people; a recurring landing-gear defect had never been logged (TSB).
- 15 October 2025: the TSB keeps runway incursions, overruns, fatigue and safety management on its Watchlist (TSB).
- 17 February 2025: Endeavor Air (Delta Connection) flight 4819 lands hard at Toronto Pearson, loses a wing and flips over; all 80 people on board survive. The TSB’s preliminary report cites a high descent rate and right bank at touchdown (TSB).
Press releases and official reports, 2023–2026
Five key releases a year for the last four years, newest first. Most come from federal departments and agencies, the Transportation Safety Board, Statistics Canada and provincial governments; a few news and trade reports are included where they are the clearest public record of an event. Releases from 2007–2022 are in the expandable list after 2023.
2026
- 26 Aug 2026Transport CanadaGovernment of Canada Invests over $23.5 Million to Strengthen B.C. Airports and Keep Communities Connected
- 6 Jul 2026TSBTSB releases 2025 annual transportation occurrence statistics
- 19 May 2026Transport CanadaGovernment of Canada invests in safety and connectivity at the Val-d’Or Regional Airport
- 5 Mar 2026TSBTSB investigation finds multiple contributing factors in fatal aircraft collision with terrain in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
- 20 Feb 2026Transport CanadaMinister MacKinnon marks International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families
2025
- 15 Oct 2025TSBTSB WATCHLIST: Stronger action on persistent transportation safety issues is needed
- 22 Jul 2025TSBRunway incursion at Calgary International Airport highlights importance of training and oversight
- 12 Jun 2025TSBTSB releases 2024 annual transportation occurrence statistics
- 20 Mar 2025TSBTSB issues preliminary report on February 2025 accident of Endeavour Air CRJ-900 LR aircraft at Toronto Pearson Airport
- 19 Feb 2025TSBUpdate: TSB Investigation into runway impact at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport
2024
- 30 Oct 2024TSBIn-flight breakup of helicopter rotor system led to 2021 fatal collision with water in British Columbia
- 27 Mar 2024TSBIn-flight detachment of left-engine cowl doors led to loss of control and emergency landing
- 5 Mar 2024TSBInvestigation report: Collision with terrain involving a helicopter in Nunavut
- 20 Feb 2024Transport CanadaMinister Rodriguez marks International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families
- 15 Feb 2024TSBTSB raising the bar on safety: Reducing the risks that persist in commercial helicopter operations
2023
- 20 Dec 2023TSBTSB releases investigation report into 2022 runway incursion and risk of collision at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport
- 24 Nov 2023TSBTSB releases investigation report into 2022 aircraft collision with water in Pluto Lake, Quebec
- 4 Oct 2023TSBUndetected damage led to 2021 landing gear failure in Montréal, Quebec
- 6 Jun 2023TSBTSB releases investigation report into 2021 runway overrun at Sept- Îles Airport, Quebec
- 14 Mar 2023TSBTSB recommends that Transport Canada establish a framework for routine review and improvement to the Civil Aviation Medical Examiners' guidelines
View 20 years of major Canadian aviation safety press releases (2007–2026)80 more from 2007–2022, five a year, newest first
2022
- 8 Dec 2022TSBMain rotor blade failure during emergency landing resulted in 2019 fatal helicopter accident in Campbell River, BC
- 1 Nov 2022TSBPropeller malfunction led to 2020 runway excursion in Naujaat, Nunavut
- 7 Sep 2022TSBPart failure in the main rotor blade assembly resulted in 2021 fatal helicopter in-flight breakup near Evansburg, Alberta
- 4 Aug 2022TSBFlight by visual reference in instrument meteorological conditions resulted in a 2019 collision with terrain in Sachigo Lake, Ontario
- 5 Jan 2022Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I, III and VI — RESA)
2021
- 15 Dec 2021TSBTSB concerned with deficiencies in regulatory surveillance related to the safety of flight operations during airport construction
- 28 Oct 2021TSBTSB investigation into fatal 2017 plane crash in Fond-du-Lac, SK, highlights need for better de-icing equipment and practices in remote and northern airports
- 29 Jun 2021TSB2018 Halifax runway overrun highlights TSB Watchlist issues
- 20 May 2021TSBJanuary 2020 runway overrun in Halifax, Nova Scotia highlights longstanding TSB Watchlist issue
- 27 Apr 2021TSBOffshore helicopter crew recovers from inadvertent descent to 13 feet above water near Sable Island, Nova Scotia
2020
- 2 Sep 2020TSBAircraft/fuel truck collision highlights importance of following safety directives during emergencies
- 20 Jul 2020TSBHydraulic fluid leak led to 2018 landing incident in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 21 May 2020TSBTSB calls on Transport Canada to simplify approach and landing weather minima and to prevent approaches in very low visibility
- 27 Apr 2020TSBFlying with partial instruments led to a 2019 loss of control and collision with ground near Whatì Airport, Northwest Territories
- 6 Mar 2020Transport CanadaGovernment of Canada proposes measures to further improve runway safety at Canada's busiest airports
2019
- 17 Dec 2019Transport CanadaTransport Canada suspends the Certificates of Ottawa Aviation Services and Ottawa Aviation Services Inc.
- 7 Nov 2019TSBTSB recommends air-taxi industry, Transport Canada, and stakeholders work together to raise the bar on safety
- 30 Oct 2019TSBReport on 2017 helicopter accident near Tweed, Ontario, highlights risks with external cargo and unrestrained passengers, and calls for clarification of safety belt regulations
- 13 Mar 2019Transport CanadaMinister Garneau statement regarding restricting airspace to Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 aircraft
- 31 Jan 2019TSBTSB makes four recommendations to improve runway safety at Canada’s busiest airport
2018
- 14 Dec 2018Transport CanadaMinister Garneau responds to Transportation Safety Board recommendations made during investigation of 2017 West Wind Aviation accident
- 14 Dec 2018TSBTSB calls for adequate aircraft de-icing equipment, greater compliance with de-icing regulations at remote northern airports
- 12 Dec 2018Transport CanadaMinister Garneau introduces new fatigue regulations to make air travel safer for all Canadians
- 26 Apr 2018TSBTSB recommends mandatory installation of flight recorders for commercial and private business aircraft
- 10 Jan 2018TSBTSB identifies unstable approach as key factor in 2016 fatal accident of Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec
2017
- 28 Sep 2017TSBOperating in icing conditions led to 2015 loss of control and collision with terrain near Pickle Lake, Ontario
- 30 Jun 2017Transport CanadaTransport Canada proposes new rules on flight crew fatigue and fitness for duty to make air travel safer for Canadians
- 18 May 2017TSBAirline approach procedures, snowstorm and airfield lighting were factors in March 2015 collision with terrain in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- 16 May 2017TSBJune 2015 runway overrun in Montréal, Quebec, attributed to delayed use of deceleration devices following a long landing in heavy rain
- 16 Mar 2017Transport CanadaNew safety rules for recreational drone use take immediate effect
2016
- 23 Dec 2016Transport CanadaGovernment of Canada Investing in Safety at the Nanaimo Airport
- 21 Dec 2016Transport CanadaNew reporting tool and initiatives improve drone safety
- 17 Oct 2016TSBTSB reiterates call for expanded requirements for the use of cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, following the Kelowna accident
- 13 Jul 2016TSBInvestigation update: Collision with terrain of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec (A16A0032)
- 15 Jun 2016TSBOrganizational, regulatory and oversight deficiencies led to fatal May 2013 Ornge helicopter crash in Moosonee, Ontario
2015
- 29 Jun 2015TSBDecember 2012 accident in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, highlights need for improved safety for infants and children onboard aircraft
- 17 Jun 2015Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I, VI and VII — Flight Attendants and Emergency Evacuation)
- 16 Jun 2015TSBGround contact prior to runway threshold of Air Canada Flight 624 during approach to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (A15H0002)
- 27 Apr 2015TSBEngine failure and an overweight aircraft led to the 2013 Buffalo Airways collision with terrain in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- 22 Apr 2015Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I and VI — Offshore Operations)
2014
- 17 Dec 2014Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I and VI)
- 18 Jun 2014Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I, II, IV, VI and VII — Private Operators)
- 25 Mar 2014TSBAir transportation safety investigation A11H0002
- 12 Feb 2014Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Part IV)
- 12 Feb 2014Canada GazetteIqaluit Airport Zoning Regulations
2013
- 23 Oct 2013TSBUnderwater egress training for commercial flight crews
- 23 Oct 2013TSBPassenger shoulder harnesses
- 14 May 2013TSBRequirement for lightweight flight recorder system in commercially operated aircraft not governed by CARS 605.33
- 2013Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 1/2013 (TP 185E)
- 2013Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 3/2013 (TP 185E)
2012
- 15 Aug 2012Transport CanadaMinister Lebel issues a statement on the report into the Aéropro accident
- 4 Jul 2012Canada GazetteRegulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts Ⅰ, Ⅵ and Ⅶ)
- 2 May 2012TSBTSB Recommendation A12-01
- 2 May 2012TSBStabilized constant descent angle (SCDA)
- 12 Jan 2012TSBThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada Releases Investigation Report into the September 2010 Crash of a Cirrus SR22 near Sundre, Alberta
2011
- 17 Mar 2011TSBEmergency egress for seaplanes
- 9 Feb 2011TSBMain gearbox certification extremely remote provision
- 9 Feb 2011TSBMain gearbox certification adequacy of the 30 minute main gearbox run dry requirement
- 9 Feb 2011TSBSafe ditching and successful evacuation
- 9 Feb 2011TSBEmergency underwater breathing apparatus
2010
- 1 Oct 2010Transport CanadaCivil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) No. 2010-01
- 2010Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 1/2010 (TP 185E)
- 2010Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 2/2010 (TP 185E)
- 2010Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 3/2010 (TP 185E)
- 2010Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 4/2010 (TP 185E)
2009
- 10 Nov 2009TSBAvailability of eye-to-wheel height information
- 10 Nov 2009TSBKnowledge of Visual Glide Slope Indicator System Limitations
- 10 Nov 2009TSBOversight
- 14 Oct 2009TSBCrew resource management training
- 9 Sep 2009TSBBounced landing training
2008
- 20 May 2008TSBVertical structure of airspace
- 27 Mar 2008TSBRegulation of passenger-carrying balloons
- 27 Mar 2008TSBEmergency fuel shut-off
- 2008Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 2/2008 (TP 185E)
- 2008Transport CanadaAviation Safety Letter, Issue 3/2008 (TP 185E)
2007
- 12 Dec 2007TSBRunway end safety area (RESA) requirements
- 12 Dec 2007TSBRisks in approaches into convective weather
- 12 Dec 2007TSBPilot decision making
- 20 Nov 2007TSBThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada will Hold a Media Availability to Release its Final Report into the Air Transat Investigation
- 2 Apr 2007Transport CanadaCANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT FUNDS NEW AIRPORT SAFETY PROJECTS ACROSS CANADA
Photo list
How this page is built. Figures come from the official statistical releases linked above; where agencies publish provisional numbers we say so, because they are revised. Canadian statistics are often collected by provinces and territories, and some national series run several years behind, so we say which area and year each figure covers. Photos are public-domain or Creative Commons images credited in each caption; file photos are illustrative and are not from the events described unless the caption says so. This page tracks trends and is not personal safety, medical, legal or financial advice.