The number of fatalities from business jet accidents in the first nine months outpaced those from the same period last year, despite a decline in the number of nonfatal accidents for jets and turboprops this year.

According to preliminary statistics compiled by AIN, 15 people died in four accidents involving U.S.-registered business jets in the first nine months of this year. In the same period last year 13 people were killed, also in four accidents. All eight of the fatal accidents in the two periods befell jets operating under Part 91.

Accidents involving N-numbered turboprops flying under Part 91 accounted for all 20 fatalities in the first nine months versus 24 deaths last year. However, 11 fatalities in two accidents involving Part 135 turboprops pushed the total fatal count to 35 last year.

The reported numbers of this year’s period for non-U.S.-registered business jets show 19 people killed in four crashes, compared with two people who died in a single (private) accident last year. The non-U.S.-registered turboprop segment also recorded fewer accidents and fatalities year-over-year.