U.S. Plane Crashes in 2025 vs. 2024: A Detailed Comparison
Aviation accidents have made headlines in early 2025, raising concerns about flight safety across the United States. With major crashes and mid-air collisions occurring within just a few weeks, many are wondering—have there been more plane crashes this year compared to 2024?
The recent increase in high-profile aviation incidents has sparked public concern, especially after the deadliest U.S. plane crash in nearly 25 years. Adding to the controversy, the Trump administration has come under scrutiny for its recent decision to cut hundreds of probationary FAA employees.
How Many Plane Crashes Have Occurred in 2025?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there have been 87 aviation accidents in the U.S. so far in 2025. This number does not include the recent mid-air collision in Arizona.
January 2025: 62 aviation incidents
February 2025 (as of Feb. 19): 25 aviation incidents
The 14th fatal plane crash of the year occurred on February 19 in Arizona, where two small planes collided near Marana Regional Airport, resulting in at least one confirmed death.
How Many People Have Died in Plane Crashes in 2025?
Despite fewer total accidents than in 2024, fatalities have more than doubled this year. At least 85 people have died in aviation crashes so far in 2025.
Deadliest Plane Crashes in 2025
January 29 (Washington, D.C.) – An American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people.
February 6 (Alaska) – A Bering Air Cessna Caravan crashed near Nome, Alaska, killing 10 people.
January 31 (Philadelphia) – A medical jet crashed into a residential area, killing 7 people.
February 10 (Arizona) – Two private jets collided at Scottsdale Airport, killing 1 person and injuring 4 others.
February 19 (Arizona) – A mid-air collision between two small planes near Marana Regional Airport, killing at least 1 person.
How Does 2025 Compare to 2024?
Between January 1 and February 19, 2024, the NTSB recorded 123 aviation accidents, including 18 fatal crashes that resulted in 42 deaths.
In contrast, 2025 has seen fewer total incidents but significantly more fatalities. The most severe crash in 2024 involved an Airbus helicopter on February 9, which killed six people. No commercial airline crashes occurred in early 2024.
In total, 1,415 aviation accidents were reported in 2024, including 257 fatal crashes, resulting in 306 deaths. The deadliest was a Pilatus aircraft crash in Recluse, Wyoming, killing six people.
Why Does It Seem Like There Are More Plane Crashes in 2025?
Larger aircraft are involved. Unlike in 2024, 2025 has seen commercial jets in fatal crashes, leading to higher death tolls.
Social media amplifies incidents. Videos and images of aviation accidents are spreading rapidly, making crashes feel more frequent.
Is Airplane Travel Still Safe?
Experts continue to emphasize that air travel is the safest mode of transportation.
NTSB Chairperson Jennifer Homendy reassured the public, stating:
"You are at greater risk getting into your car to and from the airport. Road travel accounts for over 43,000 deaths annually, while aviation remains incredibly safe."
However, public confidence in flying is declining. A recent AP-NORC poll found that:
64% of U.S. adults consider air travel "very safe" or "somewhat safe," down from 71% in 2024.
20% of respondents now believe flying is unsafe, up from 12% last year.
What Happened to the Delta Plane Crash in Toronto?
On February 12, 2025, a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jet flipped over during landing at Toronto Pearson Airport amid extreme winds. All 80 passengers survived, but several were injured.
Notably, the CRJ-900 belongs to the same aircraft family as the CRJ-700, which was involved in the Washington, D.C. crash on January 29.
The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate the major plane crashes of 2025, with more details expected in the coming weeks.
Additionally, the new administration is reassessing federal aviation policies. While cost-cutting efforts have targeted government agencies, air traffic controllers have been excluded from federal layoffs, highlighting concerns about flight safety.
While plane crashes in 2025 have resulted in more fatalities than in 2024, aviation remains one of the safest ways to travel. Stay updated on FAA safety reports and ensure flight confidence through real-time aviation monitoring.