By Caitlyn McGregor, Contributing Writer
Three devastating plane crashes in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Alaska have recently captured national attention, raising serious concerns about aviation safety. Each tragedy has left families grieving, communities in shock, and the nation questioning what went wrong.
Here’s a look at the incidents and what authorities are doing to enhance aviation safety moving forward.
The most heart-wrenching crash occurred on Jan. 29, 2025, when a commercial jetliner collided with an Army helicopter near Washington D.C. The collision, which killed 67 people, including those aboard both aircraft, shocked the nation and sparked widespread concerns about air traffic control in busy airspace.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating, but early reports from AP News suggest the helicopter’s descent may have contributed to the crash.
The incident has prompted discussions about whether airspace, particularly near major airports like Ronald Reagan National, is adequately equipped to manage the complexities of various aircraft types flying in close proximity. Many are questioning whether stricter regulations are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
On Jan. 31, 2025, a medical jet transporting a critically ill child and five others crashed in Northeast Philadelphia, minutes after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, lost altitude and disappeared from radar, killing all seven people on board, according to NBC Philadelphia. No distress signals were received before the crash, and authorities are scrutinizing both weather conditions and mechanical failure.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, one person on the ground was killed when the jet’s wreckage struck vehicles on Cottman Avenue, NBC Philadelphia reported. Authorities are working to determine whether mechanical or environmental factors played a role.
Meanwhile, Alaska experienced its own tragedy on Feb. 6, 2025, when a small commuter plane, a Cessna Caravan, crashed into the Bering Sea while en route from Unalakleet to Nome.
The crash, which killed 10 people, occurred after the plane lost contact about an hour into the flight, according to AP News. The wreckage was found the following day, and all the victims’ remains were recovered from an ice floe.
Early reports suggest moderate icing conditions may have contributed, though the plane was equipped with an anti-icing system, AP News reported. Given Alaska’s reliance on aviation to connect remote communities, the crash has raised concerns about the safety of small aircraft in extreme weather conditions.
These tragic accidents have sparked widespread concern over aviation safety, with many questioning the reliability of both commercial and small aircraft, especially during adverse weather. Experts argue that the government must strengthen aviation safety protocols.
Frank Orlando, a political science professor at Saint Leo University, says political decisions at the federal level significantly influence aviation standards. He emphasizes that both the executive and legislative branches are responsible for drafting policies that affect local airports.
“The key is to continually update policy to keep travelers safe above and beyond any concerns about politics,” he says.
Government responses to such crashes are critical in maintaining public trust in transportation systems. Professor Orlando notes that while such accidents are rare, they typically lead to new safeguards being implemented to prevent future tragedies.
However, he also warns that political considerations sometimes overshadow safety concerns.
“Politicians often use crises like these to score points with voters, but this usually hinders the actual work of keeping people safe,” he adds.
So, what can be done to prevent future tragedies? According to Professor Orlando, the answer is not simple.
While the goal is zero incidents, the reality is that air travel—especially in challenging conditions—carries inherent risks. With the high volume of flights that occur daily, accidents are bound to happen.
The last commercial plane crash with more than 10 fatalities occurred in 2009. Despite this, officials must continually adapt policies to keep air travel as safe as possible.
As investigations into these crashes continue, it is crucial that authorities prioritize transparency and passenger safety. The NTSB and FAA are under intense pressure to improve regulations, flight monitoring, and pilot training to reduce the risk of such incidents in the future.
In the meantime, local communities have rallied around the victims’ families, with funds and emotional support hotlines set up to assist those affected.
In the aftermath of these tragedies, there is hope that the lessons learned will help improve aviation safety in the United States and help restore public confidence in air travel.
