Military Aviation Mishaps See Increase in Fiscal Year 2026
A review of military data by Scripps News indicates an increase in severe non-combat aviation mishaps across the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force in fiscal year 2026 compared to 2025. These "Class A" mishaps, defined by fatalities, permanent disability,…
Indianapolis, IN, July 29, 2026 —
A review of military data by Scripps News has revealed an increase in severe non-combat aviation incidents across the U.S. armed forces during fiscal year 2026 when compared to the previous fiscal year. These incidents, categorized as “Class A” mishaps, are defined by the occurrence of fatalities, permanent disability, or property damage amounting to at least $2.5 million.
The data, which covers fiscal year 2025 and extends into the current fiscal year 2026 up to July 29, 2026, shows a total of 50 Class A aviation mishaps in FY26. This represents an increase from the 45 such incidents recorded in FY25.
Analysis of the data indicates a varied trend across different branches of the military. The Air Force has experienced a notable rise in these severe aviation mishaps. Conversely, the Army and the Marine Corps have seen a decrease in the number of Class A incidents within their operations during the same comparative periods.
The Navy’s figures for Class A non-combat aviation mishaps were not specified as increasing or decreasing individually within the provided data for FY26 compared to FY25, but are included in the overall service branch totals.
Class A mishaps are considered the most serious type of aviation incident, and their increase or decrease can be an indicator of safety trends and operational readiness within the military. Further details regarding the specific causes or outcomes of individual incidents were not provided in the data reviewed.
Story summarized from the original created by Lori Jane Gliha on www.wrtv.com, see more information here.
