Is Flying Still Safe?
If you’ve been following the news this year, it might feel like flying is getting more dangerous:
- In January, a deadly crash between a commercial flight and a Black Hawk helicopter claimed 67 lives.
- In February, a med-evac jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, killing all on board, one person on the ground, and injuring others.
- Also in February, a Delta flight crash-landed upside down in Toronto, but all 80 people on board survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
- In June, an Air India Flight crashed just after takeoff, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew, as well as 19 people on the ground.
While these incidents are extreme incidents, what doesn’t always make the news are the many close calls involving flights, including
- A Southwest flight narrowly avoiding a private jet in Chicago.
- A charter jet taking off while a JetBlue flight was landing in Boston—with the planes coming within 400 feet of each other.
- A controller shouting “stop, stop, stop” at LAX to prevent a collision with a Delta flight.
These are serious safety breaches, and many involve runway incursions—when something or someone is on the runway who shouldn’t be. Thankfully, in all these cases, quick action by pilots and controllers prevented disaster.
Is There a Bigger Problem?
Some aviation professionals are raising red flags about a system under stress. There’s a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, more planes in the air post-pandemic, and aging radar and communication systems.
The FAA is responding with new safety initiatives, upgraded technology, and plans to modernize air traffic control. The good news? Despite the pressure, serious runway incidents have actually decreased, and most safety indicators remain steady.
So, Is Flying Still Safe?
Here’s the bottom line:
- Overall data indicates that the number of commercial airline crashes in the U.S. remains exceptionally low.
- Near misses are being investigated and addressed with new safety measures.
- Air travel is still far safer than driving. Tens of thousands die in car crashes every year. Airplane fatalities remain extremely rare.
If you or someone you love was injured while traveling on an airplane and believe that negligence or error was involved, it may help to discuss the details with an experienced aviation accident attorney in Philadelphia. Firm founder Tom Duffy is a licensed and skilled commercial multi-engine pilot and understands the procedures and mechanics behind air travel. Contact us today to set a convenient time to speak.