As the spring semester approaches, students are preparing to travel back home. However, with recent events, there is some hesitancy regarding aviation safety. On Jan. 9, an American Airlines flight collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people involved. Following this event, multiple plane crashes became widespread news, including a Delta plane crash landing in Toronto. Fortunately, this crash was not fatal. One passenger’s point-of-view video of exiting the plane and showing the upside-down aircraft in flames quickly gained traction online.
Although recent crashes are a source of anxiety, data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate a decline in fatal aviation accidents. In January 2024, there were 80 accidents, 19 of which were fatal. In February 2024, there were 93 accidents, 12 of which were fatal. In comparison, January 2025 saw 57 accidents, with seven fatalities and as of February 2025, there have been 37 accidents, four of which were fatal.
Although those only cover accidents that have fatalities, the number of accidents resulting in serious levels of injury decreased from 2024 to 2025
Statistically, this year has been safer so far. However, genuine concerns persist, especially after the recent firing of 400 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.
“I think there needs to be a better system on who we are firing, who we allow to control these things,” freshman Cole Coppersmith said. “However, it’s a sad and unfortunate situation.
“I do feel safer flying, but when I saw those events at first I’d have said no,” Coppersmith said.
Heightened fears may be a result of cognitive bias, where people perceive events as more common due to frequent media coverage. While flying remains statistically safe, it is important to acknowledge the uncertainty and genuine concerns that may come from flying, particularly regarding recent FAA staffing changes that could impact safety levels.
