A Closer Look at Recent Aviation Accidents in the U.S.: Separating Fact from Perception

Rising Concerns Over Flight Safety: What’s Behind the Recent Spate of Incidents?

Over the past two months, the United States has witnessed a series of troubling aviation incidents, ranging from midair collisions to fatal crashes, that have grabbed headlines and unsettled travelers nationwide. At least four major aviation incidents have occurred since the start of 2025, fueling growing anxiety among Americans about the safety of air travel. While the number of accidents this year is actually lower than during the same period in 2024, the fatalities have more than doubled, raising questions about whether the U.S. is experiencing a dip in aviation safety standards.

The Trump administration has come under fire for its decision to let go of hundreds of probationary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees just weeks after the deadliest U.S. crash in nearly 25 years. Critics argue that this move may have compromised the agency’s ability to ensure flight safety.

The Numbers: How 2025 Compares to 2024

According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there have been 87 aviation accidents in the U.S. so far in 2025, including 13 fatal crashes that have claimed the lives of at least 85 people. This contrasts sharply with 2024, when 123 accidents were reported during the same period, but only 42 fatalities occurred across 18 fatal incidents. Notably, none of the crashes in 2024 involved planes carrying more than six people, whereas 2025 has seen larger aircraft involved in some of the deadliest incidents.

For instance, a collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board an American Airlines regional jet and a Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter. Similarly, a single-engine Cessna Caravan aircraft operated by Bering Air in Nome, Alaska, crashed, killing all 10 people on board. These incidents have contributed to the perception that aviation safety is deteriorating, even though the overall number of accidents has declined.

Why It Feels Like There Are More Plane Crashes This Year

The rise in fatalities and the involvement of larger aircraft in some of the recent crashes have likely amplified public concern. Additionally, the widespread sharing of crash videos and photos on social media platforms has created an illusion of increased danger. While the data shows that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the dramatic nature of these incidents often distorts public perception.

Jennifer Homendy, chairperson of the NTSB, emphasized during a recent news briefing that "aviation is the safest mode of transportation." She pointed out that the risks associated with driving to and from the airport far outweigh those of flying. Despite this, a recent AP-NORC poll found that Americans’ confidence in air travel safety is waning. Only 64% of respondents considered flying "very safe" or "somewhat safe," down from 71% in 2024.

The Delta Plane Crash in Toronto: A Miracle Survival Story

On Monday, a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jet from Minneapolis flipped onto its roof while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport amid extreme winds. Miraculously, all 80 people on board survived, though several injuries were reported. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges posed by severe weather conditions and the resilience of modern aircraft. The CRJ-900, developed by Bombardier, is part of a widely used regional jet family that has been involved in previous incidents, including a midair collision near Reagan National Airport in January.

What’s Next for Aviation Safety in the U.S.?

As the new administration grapples with concerns over aviation safety, it has taken steps to address the issue by excluding air traffic controllers from a federal workforce reduction plan. Meanwhile, the NTSB continues to investigate the major crashes, and more details about the causes are expected to emerge in the coming weeks and months.

The recent spate of accidents serves as a reminder of the complexities of ensuring aviation safety and the need for continuous vigilance. While flying remains statistically safer than driving, the rise in fatalities this year has understandably unnerved the public. The aviation industry must address these incidents with transparency and rigor to restore confidence and uphold the high safety standards that have long defined air travel.