Unprecedented Rise in General Aviation Accidents in Montana for 2025
Montana witnessed a distressing surge in general aviation accidents in 2025, with federal investigators recording the highest number of crashes in over a decade. The state noted 24 aviation accidents throughout the year, eight of which were fatal. This marks a significant rise from the 17 crashes and four fatalities reported in 2024.
Federal investigators attribute this alarming trend to Montana’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, which can make flying particularly perilous. Officials underscore that all the accidents involved general aviation aircraft and not commercial operations. This sudden increase in accidents has sparked concerns about the decision-making abilities of pilots and the safety protocols in place in the region.
Aviation safety officials emphasize that before every flight, pilots must make critical go/no-go decisions. These decisions should be based not just on the technical feasibility of the flight, but also on whether the prevailing conditions truly warrant flying. The surge in accidents coincides with a year when general aviation safety has become a national concern. Industry experts are calling for a renewed focus on pilot training, weather assessment, and conservative decision-making in challenging flight conditions.
Source: NBC Montana