The number of deaths on commuter airlines...

The number of deaths on commuter airlines rose sharply in 1984, although the nation’s large scheduled airlines had a record safety year, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its annual report. A total of 41 persons died in 20 commuter airline accidents last year, the board said, compared to a record low of 11 deaths in 17 accidents in 1983. For large scheduled airlines, there were 12 accidents in 1984. Only one, a cargo plane, involved fatalities, in which four persons died.