Data published by Eurostat, the European Union's (EU) statistics agency, show there were 121 aviation-related deaths across the bloc in 2021.
The fatalities recorded were those taking place in the EU and involving aircraft registered in one of the 27 member-states. Some 86 of the deaths were recorded in France and Germany.
"Most of the air accident fatalities in 2021 (93% or 112 deaths) involved aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of less than 2,250 kg in the ‘general aviation’ category", Eurostat said in a January 9 statement. The category takes in small aeroplanes, dirigibles, para- and motor-gliders, 'microlights', small helicopters and hot air balloons.
No deaths were recorded in the commercial air transport category, the agency said.