Missouri plane crashes, while not as common as car accidents, are more likely to result in a fatality than any land or water based vehicle accident. Planes move at such incredible speeds and high altitudes that it's easy to see why crashes can be so deadly if things go wrong.

The national media tends to focus only on the handful of massive airline disasters that occur every few years, but if you look at the statistics for all aircraft, including small planes, private planes and helicopters, you realize how common aviation accidents really are.

According to a NTSB report, in 2006, there were over 1,500 accidents nationwide that resulted in nearly 700 fatalities. Approximately 80 percent of all plane crashes occur just after takeoff or just before landing largely due to human error or mechanical failure. In fact, pilot error accounts for nearly 45 percent of all plane crashes.

Missouri claims a large portion of those accidents because of our rather large aviation industry. We have approximately 500 aviation facilities in this state including airports, heliports, and seaplane bases. More than 11,000 pilots are registered in Missouri.

Because of the shear number of aircraft, and the dangers inherent in flying, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was formed to regulate the industry and conduct crash investigations. FAA guidelines exist to protect passengers and crew from the worst airline disasters.

Unfortunately, these guidelines are not always followed. Pilots are subject to strict guidelines related to their licensing and sometimes go around these rules. Cargo guidelines may be ignored in an attempt to make larger shipments and mechanics may not perform the proper inspections.

The results of recent study conducted by the FAA designed to test plane mechanics' knowledge of the aircraft they work on showed an 87 percent pass rate. That means 13 percent of mechanics failed a standard test of airplane maintenance. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that 13 percent of all plane crashes are caused by mechanical failure, according to the NTSB.

Personal injury lawsuits have revealed numerous cases of negligence that led to such accidents. Investigators have found mechanical failures that should have been corrected as well as improperly maintained flight logs and equipment. Data recorders and voice recorders have also revealed to aviation lawyers many instances of pilot negligence.

At The Bradley Law Firm, we hold pilots and airlines accountable if their negligence leads to a serious accident. Because of the unique laws and regulations that govern the aviation industry, hiring an attorney that specializes in aviation matters is essential.

We have handled personal injury cases for over thirty years. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, contact us for a free consultation. One of our experienced attorneys will meet with you in person and will advise you on how best to handle your case.