US Navy reports highest number of Class A aviation, afloat mishaps in 10 years

U.S. Navy Safety Command data show 16 Class A aviation mishaps and 11 Class A afloat mishaps in fiscal 2026, the highest combined count for these categories in a decade. A Class A event involves a fatality, permanent total disability, destruction of an aircraft or at least $2.5 million in damage under the Navy's definition. The figures cover severe aircraft and ship incidents during the fiscal year, including operations in the Middle East. The totals describe reported mishaps rather than a measured rate adjusted for flying hours, ship days or operational tempo, which would be needed for a direct risk comparison.