Concerns over flight safety have grown in the United States, following a series of notable plane crashes this year, including a tragic commercial flight crash in Washington D.C. that claimed the lives of 67 individuals. This has led to a significant increase in Google searches for information related to the safety of air travel. However, despite these public concerns, 2025 has seen a relatively low incidence of fatal aviation accidents compared to previous years, particularly in the months of January and February, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. These months typically see about 20 fatal aviation accidents each, but there were only 10 and 6 fatal incidents, respectively, during this period, encompassing all types of civil aviation, from large commercial aircraft to private jets.
Peter Goelz, a former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, remarked on the safety of commercial aviation, attributing the relatively low numbers to the underlying safety improvements that make air travel increasingly secure each year. The data also includes private flights, which are significantly riskier due to factors such as less frequent pilot experience and the unpredictable nature of summer storms.
However, it’s important to note that while the number of fatal accidents has decreased, the severity of incidents this year, such as the crash in Washington and another in Alaska that claimed 10 lives, has been particularly distressing. These events stand out as among the deadliest in the U.S. over the past decade.
The discourse around these incidents has taken a political turn with former President Donald Trump criticizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, suggesting they contributed to the Washington crash. He also ordered the firing of roughly 400 out of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) 45,000 employees, sparking concerns over aviation safety. His actions, particularly the timing and nature of the firings, have been met with criticism, with some viewing them as politically driven and detrimental to aviation safety standards.
Experts and analysts have expressed concerns about the underlying motivations and potential consequences of these political moves, especially given the crucial role the FAA plays in ensuring public safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/plane-crash-safety-data
