Seventy-four people were killed in three separate airplane crashes in North America in early 2025, prompting renewed concerns about air traffic safety and oversight.
The incidents occurred in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Toronto. On Jan. 29, a commercial airliner collided with a Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Arlington, Virginia. On Jan. 31, a medevac jet crashed in Philadelphia. The third incident took place on Feb. 17, when a Delta flight skidded off the runway and overturned during landing in Toronto. No fatalities were reported in the Toronto crash.
The Jan. 29 collision in Washington is under investigation, with early reports indicating that staffing issues in the control tower may have played a role. According to officials, only one air traffic controller was on duty at the time of the crash. The other controller had reportedly been granted early leave by a supervisor.
During the approach, the airliner and the military helicopter were operating in close proximity. A miscommunication occurred when the Blackhawk crew reported visual contact with an aircraft, which was later revealed to be a different plane than the one on a collision course. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet released its final report.
Tina Lesniak, English department chair at the high school, noted the strain on air traffic controllers as a potential contributing factor. “Not enough air traffic controllers working,” she said.
The crash in Philadelphia involved a medevac jet that spiraled to the ground. Authorities have not released a cause, but initial reports suggest the aircraft may have been intentionally flown into the ground. The investigation is ongoing.
In Toronto, a Delta plane experienced landing gear failure, causing the aircraft to flip after landing. A fuel-related fire was extinguished quickly, and no injuries were reported.
The recent string of incidents has sparked unease among travelers. “It’s scary to think about going on a plane,” said sophomore Bryan Hernandez-Cruz. “I don’t feel safe.”
Federal aviation authorities are continuing investigations into all three incidents.
