Introduction: Changes in General Aviation (GA) accident rates, specifically in the go-around phase, are examined by comparing the number of accidents, the proportion of fatal accidents, and the proportion of certain causes of accidents over time.
Methods: Two sets of accidents from 2000 to 2004 and from 2013 to 2017 were extracted from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) online database.
Results: Although the total number of GA accidents per landing significantly decreased over time, the proportion of fatal accidents in the go-around phase increased. Fatalities most often occurred in instrument meteorological conditions.
Conclusion: Advances in technology and training show improvements in GA accident rates, but not for accidents in the go-around phase.
Practical applications: Scenario-based learning is recommended to include specific instruction concerning the timing of go-around procedures in unstable flights.
Keywords: Aviation training; Fixed-wing aircraft; General Aviation; Go-around; Landing.
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