In the last couple of months, multiple plane crashes in the United States have raised concerns about air travel safety. While the aviation industry does have strict regulations, recent incidents have shown the new risks at play. As the authorities are working to find explanations to these crashes, the public is left questioning how safe flying is today. Aviation technology is still advancing, and so do the concerns of operating through human error.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred on Jan. 29, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Tragically, all 67 people aboard both aircrafts lost their lives. This was the first major crash of the many that followed.
Just a few weeks later, on Feb. 15, a small private plane crashed near an airport outside Atlanta, Georgia, causing both passengers to pass away. On Feb. 17, a Delta Air Lines flight was forced to crash-land in Toronto due to hazardous icy runway conditions. While all 80 passengers and crew members survived, the aircraft sustained severe damage. Another serious accident occurred on Feb. 18 in Washington, D.C., when a small private aircraft and a helicopter collided mid-air.
But what is causing these plane crashes in the first place?
The recent plane crashes in the U.S. have been thought to be because of several factors, including mechanical issues, pilot mistakes and bad weather. However, a more recent concern is the reduction in Federal Aviation Administration workers. On Jan. 20, the Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency, held mass layoffs across federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration. These layoffs resulted in the termination of hundreds of FAA employees. Many of these workers were responsible for safety inspections and air traffic control operations. The reduction in staff has caused concern to the public about the Federal Aviation Administration’s ability to maintain safety standards, which could be a contributing factor to the recent crashes.
