In 2024, a significant spike in major accidents involving military aircraft was reported, according to internal Pentagon figures. A series of serious aviation mishaps that occurred in 2025, including fatalities and aircraft losses, indicate that this troubling trend may be continuing.

The data shows that across the military, the rate of severe accidents per 100,000 flight hours increased by 55% in the 2024 budget year compared to four years earlier. The Marine Corps recorded the highest increase, nearly tripling its rate during this period. The statistics focus on Class A mishaps — the most severe accidents resulting in death or permanent full disability — and were released by the Defense Department to Congress.

An aviation expert suggests that the observed trends cannot be attributed to a single factor. Instead, they reflect various smaller issues that accumulate to create an unsafe flying culture. Key factors contributing to this increase include heightened operational demands, riskier aircraft like the V-22 Osprey, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly curtailed flying time across the military.

This rise in serious accidents has prompted some members of Congress to seek answers. In January, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, requested the figures following multiple deadly incidents involving the V-22 Osprey. Her office subsequently provided the data to the Associated Press for independent review. The statistics encompass the entire budget years from 2020 to 2023 and the first ten months of the 2024 budget year, ending on July 31. During these ten months, 25 service members and Defense Department civilian employees were killed, and 14 aircraft were destroyed.

Warren expressed concern regarding the accident rates, stating, “These accident rates are incredibly troubling and demand action.” She emphasized the necessity for legislative changes to improve access to accident reports, which are crucial for understanding the root causes of such incidents in order to save lives.

Several military aircraft have been particularly prone to crashes. The V-22 Osprey, which combines the features of a plane and a helicopter, has garnered attention for its safety issues. Additionally, the Defense Department data indicates that during the 2024 budget year, the Apache helicopter’s rate of Class A accidents increased by about 4.5 times compared to four years prior, while the C-130 transport plane nearly doubled its accident rate in the same timeframe.

The Pentagon has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these alarming trends. According to data from the Navy, there was a notable rise in their aviation mishaps, with eight Class A incidents reported in 2024 and 14 in 2025. Aviation expert John Nance stated that increasing demands placed on military pilots likely contribute significantly to the rising number of mishaps.

In 2025, there have already been multiple high-profile aviation accidents, highlighting the precarious nature of military flying operations. Notably, in January, a collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet over Washington, D.C., resulted in 67 fatalities. Investigations revealed that the Black Hawk helicopter’s altimeter was broken, and issues were noted with the military pilot’s night vision goggles.

Military aviators, unlike their civilian counterparts, face unpredictability in their operations, which can exacerbate risks. In recent incidents, the Navy reported losing two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in quick succession. Fortunately, no aviators were killed in these incidents.

In September 2025, four U.S. Army soldiers died when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training mission near a military base in Washington state. In October, separate incidents involving a fighter jet and a helicopter based off the USS Nimitz resulted in crashes in the South China Sea, but again, no fatalities were reported.

The increase in mishaps may also be partly attributable to the operational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as military pilots experienced reduced flying time. Senator Warren’s office is currently seeking more detailed statistics on aviation mishaps and training practices within the military, indicating an ongoing effort to improve safety measures and accountability.