The crash of a sightseeing helicopter into the Hudson River has left six people dead, including the pilot and three children. Any explanations as to the cause are speculation, until the National Transportation Safety Board conducts a full and thorough investigation.

The contrast between airplane flight and helicopter flight may give some the impression that helicopters are less safe. Yet the data does not support this perception.

Airplane flight is inherently linear, with takeoffs, cruising and landing mostly executed in a single direction. Helicopters are designed to move in any direction, giving them greater flexibility and maneuverability. Since both use airspace, their flights are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. This means that helicopter flights, like airplane flights, are highly regulated, including oversight by air traffic control to ensure that the highest standards of safety are met.

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The data on fatal accidents across different types of flight is revealing. From 2018 to 2022, the fatal accident rate for helicopters was 0.77 fatal........

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