Evaluating the Safety Pyramid in Civil Aviation: A Data-driven Assessment of Occurrence Trends across Three South Asian Countries (1990–2023)

This study investigates civil aviation safety trends in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan from 1990 to 2023. It focuses on the reporting of accidents, serious incidents, and incidents using 823 documented occurrences. A descriptive and comparative approach was applied, structured around the safety pyramid model. Data were sourced from open-access aviation databases, including the Aviation Safety Network and the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives, and validated against reports from regional civil aviation authorities. Each record was categorized by event type, country, and fatality status, enabling consistent cross-country comparisons. Visual analysis tools in Microsoft Excel, including time-series and frequency charts, were used to identify reporting patterns. The findings show that India has made significant progress in both safety oversight and reporting accuracy, with a noticeable decline in fatal accident ratios by 2023. Pakistan displayed mixed results with some improvement with inconsistencies and limited documentation of minor incidents. Bangladesh had the most pronounced reporting limitations, with several years reflecting data only on fatal accidents. A notable rise in reported incidents across all three countries after 2015 suggests improved awareness and stronger reporting mechanisms. However, underreporting of non-fatal events remains a concern, especially in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The study emphasizes the need for transparent reporting, and incident documentation to strengthen aviation safety in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.