Recently, headlines in American newspapers have focused on a number of aircraft accidents and malfunctions. This has led many Americans to doubt the safety of their flights. Do plane accidents actually seem to be more frequent than they were last year?
What matters: The public perception of aviation safety
As a result of several high profile aviation incidents that have occurred in the last few months, there is a growing concern amongst the public regarding air travel safety. This anxiety is occurring at a moment when the public’s attention is focused on oversight of aviation and personnel.
The Current Aircraft Incident Data in 2025
Data shows that as of the end of February there had been 62 aviation accidents in January, and 25 in Februrary. Without the Arizona crash, in 2025 there will have been at least 13 deadly plane crashes across many states, such as Alaska, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., California, etc. At least one death has been confirmed by officials in connection with the Arizona small-plane collision.
Although the number and severity of incidents has decreased, fatalities have more than doubled. In 2025, 85 deaths have been recorded in aviation accidents.
These fatal accidents often involved small aircraft carrying a smaller number of people. In late January the American Airlines regional plane collision, near Ronald Reagan National Airport Washington D.C., involved a Sikorsky UH-60 chopper, caused a large loss of lives, as all 67 onboard perished. The crash of the Bering Air Cessna Caravan single-engine aircraft near Nome Airport in Alaska was also notable. All 10 passengers onboard died.
Aviation Accident Statistics 2024
The NTSB has reported that 123 aircraft accidents occurred during the same time period (January 1, 2024 to February 19, 2025) of various severity. Although there were 18 reported fatal incidents, 42 deaths totaled the number in 2025.
It is important to note that the early 2024 aviation accidents did not include large passenger airplanes. A helicopter Airbus crash that occurred on February 9th, 2024 was the worst. All six people aboard were killed.
Reality vs. Perception Realities: What’s the reason for increased concern?
Media coverage of crashes with larger aircraft and increased public awareness about them likely contributed to the impression that there are more aviation accidents this year. Social media’s visual aspect, where videos and pictures of crashes are widely circulated, may also increase public concern about air travel safety.
Fundamental Safety of Air Travel
Statistics consistently show that flying remains a very safe form of transportation, according to aviation experts.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB’s Aviation Division stated recently that flying is “the safest form of transport.” She added that driving is a riskier option. The annual road fatality rate for the United States is approximately 43,000.
However, the public has experienced a small drop in confidence. In a February AP/NORC poll, 64 percent of U.S. Adults rated air travel as “very” or “somewhat “safe”, down from 71 % the previous year. In the same vein, those who think flying is extremely or somewhat dangerous rose in percentage from around 12 percent to about 20 percent.
The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4.1%.
Delta Air Lines Incident at Toronto
Recently, an airliner from Minneapolis, Delta Air Lines, experienced an incident upon landing in Toronto Pearson Airport. The plane flipped over onto its top due to strong winds. The 80 passengers and crew members survived the accident, although some sustained minor injuries.
Bombardier is a Canadian company that developed the CRJ-900 regional jet, which has been widely adopted in this industry. The CRJ-900 aircraft in question is from the same family of aircraft as the CRJ-700 involved in a mid-air accident near Reagan National Airport last January.
Future Actions and Investigations
The current administration is taking measures to improve aviation safety in the United States. This is evident in the recent decision by the administration to exclude air traffic controllers From the “buyout program” aimed at decreasing the federal workforce.
NTSB has been investigating major crashes and expects to have more information in coming weeks. The NTSB’s investigations will help to understand the causes and prevent further accidents.