Cape Town – The number of reported fatal aircraft accidents in South Africa jumped to 20 last year, from 15 the year before, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

“The increase in reporting might be due to the increase in our aircraft register of flying activities, therefore there is no reason for concern,” it said in its 2012/13 annual report, tabled at Parliament.

“In fact, we encourage the industry to report accidents and incidents so that we can have accurate statistics.”

According to a table in the report, there were 16 fatal aviation incidents in 2010/11, 15 in 2011/12, and 20 last year.

Thirty-one people were killed in aviation accidents between 1 April 2012, and 31 March this year.

A total of 33 were killed the year before.

The total number of all accidents involving aircraft was 130 last year.

“[A total of] 107 accidents were reported in the previous financial year and 130 for this [2012/13] financial year.”

The main causes included engine failures and loss of control, followed by mechanical failure.

“The weather also played a major role in some of the accidents and incidents that were reported.

– SAPA