This dataset offers an overview of global aviation fatalities from 1919 to 2025. The early decades show modest fatalities reflecting the technological infancy. A dramatic escalation is seen during the 1940s, peaking in 1944 with over 3,700 deaths because of World War II military aviation losses.
The 1960s through early 1980s represent another high-fatality era, with several years exceeding 2,000 deaths, reflecting a period of mass commercial aviation expansion but with weaker safety regulations and less advanced technology.
Post-2001, the trend begins a gradual decline, likely driven by stricter international safety standards, improved aircraft design, and better pilot training. However, sharp outliers, like 2001 (9/11), illustrate how singular catastrophic events can distort annual fatality figures. The continued downward trend through the 2010s and 2020s, even with increased flight volumes, underscores meaningful global progress in aviation safety.