There were zero accidents of business turbine airplanes last year in the UK, according to the 2024 Annual Safety Review published by the country’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). However, there was a loss-of-control incident involving a Pilatus PC-24 business jet, which had “stiff elevator controls” and lost 800 feet near the top of its climb. Post-flight examination could not find any technical faults.
Last year’s investigations included 32 non-business-aviation commercial air transport events, most of which were serious incidents rather than accidents. The review also reported that the 10 fatal accidents resulting in the loss of 11 lives last year were all light aircraft. These included eight non-turbine light aircraft and two glider accidents. Loss of control in flight was the most common factor in these fatal accidents. “In many respects, 2024 was a relatively typical year,” the review said.
The AAIB review also noted that in 2024, it completed investigations into three earlier business jet incidents: the Aug. 10, 2022 uncommanded full-flap extension on a Bombardier Challenger 604 during climbout; the Oct. 7, 2022 failed takeoff attempt when the flight crew forgot to release the parking brake on a Beechjet 400; and the Nov. 14, 2023 hard landing of a Dassault Falcon when trapped water that had frozen in the tail section prevented proper pitch control to make a smooth touchdown.