Despite Public Fear After Recent Aviation Accidents, Federal Data Confirms Commercial Flight Crashes Are Rare

Few events grip public attention as strongly as an airplane accident. Videos of planes on fire or reports of midair collisions spread rapidly across news outlets and social media. Recent aviation accidents in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Toronto, and other cities have sparked national concern, with many asking whether plane crashes are becoming more common.

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirm that commercial airline accidents remain rare, the consequences of aviation crashes, whether involving commercial carriers, private planes, or helicopters, are devastating for victims and families. Even a single crash can result in dozens of deaths, severe injuries, or catastrophic emotional and financial losses.

For families facing the aftermath of an aviation accident, the data may offer reassurance about overall safety, but it does not lessen the impact of tragedy when one occurs. Understanding the statistics, risks, and legal rights is essential for those affected.

Aviation Safety by the Numbers

The NTSB records more than 1,100 aviation accidents and incidents in the U.S. each year. Most involve small, private aircraft, rather than large commercial passenger flights. By comparison, the FAA oversees more than 45,000 flights per day, illustrating how rare serious commercial accidents truly are.

From 2012 to 2022, the NTSB recorded an average of 27 air carrier accidents annually, with just a handful being fatal. During that same decade, U.S. passenger airlines reported only 12 fatalities total — a strikingly low number when compared to the billions of passengers flown.

Still, when crashes involve commercial carriers, they dominate headlines. The rarity of such disasters makes them appear more alarming, and the widespread visibility of social media amplifies public fear.

Recent Plane Crashes That Sparked Concern

Despite reassuring federal statistics, several high-profile aviation accidents early in 2025 raised public alarm:

• Washington, D.C. Collision (January 29, 2025): A midair crash between a passenger jet and a helicopter over the Potomac River killed 67 people.
• Philadelphia Medevac Jet Crash (January 31, 2025): A medical transport aircraft crashed, killing six onboard and one on the ground.
• Toronto Commercial Flight Incident (February 2025): A passenger flight flipped while landing, resulting in multiple injuries.
• Other Fatal Crashes: Additional accidents in Virginia, Alaska, and Florida claimed the lives of pilots and passengers.

These tragedies highlight how devastating aviation accidents can be, even if rare. Families are often left searching for answers about what went wrong and whether negligence played a role.

Misconceptions About Plane Crash Frequency

Social media posts claimed there was a surge or even a “400% increase” in plane crashes in early 2025. However, NTSB data shows otherwise.

• Between January 20 and February 20, 2025, the NTSB recorded 48 aviation accidents, in line with typical monthly averages.
• Historical comparisons show that previous administrations experienced more aviation accidents in their first months. For example, the first month of President Obama’s term saw 88 accidents, while President Biden’s first month saw 61.

The reality is that aviation safety has improved dramatically over the decades, thanks to stricter regulations, improved technology, and stronger oversight. However, when major commercial disasters happen close together in time, they give the appearance of a sudden surge, even if the numbers do not reflect an actual trend.

What Counts as an Aviation Accident or Incident?

The NTSB distinguishes between “accidents” and “incidents”:

• Accident: Any event involving substantial aircraft damage, serious injury, or death from the time a person boards until they disembark.
• Incident: An occurrence that could affect safety but does not cause major harm, such as a mechanical malfunction or a drone strike on a plane.

Most events the NTSB tracks are general aviation accidents involving smaller planes or commuter aircraft. These account for the majority of fatalities each year, while major commercial crashes remain exceptionally rare.

Common Causes of Aviation Accidents

NTSB investigations show that 81% of general aviation accidents involve personnel-related factors, including pilot decision-making, fatigue, or inadequate training. Other major contributing causes include:

• Aircraft issues (80% of cases): mechanical failure, engine problems, or design flaws.
• Environmental factors (44% of cases): poor weather, low visibility, or bird strikes.
• Air traffic control errors: rare but potentially catastrophic mistakes in communication or oversight.

Each accident is carefully investigated, often taking months or years before final reports are issued. For victims, this delay can add to frustration and uncertainty.

Impact on Victims and Families

The aftermath of a plane crash can be overwhelming. Victims who survive may suffer life-changing injuries such as:

• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Psychological trauma

Families of those who die in crashes face funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and immeasurable emotional devastation. Aviation crashes often involve multiple victims, leading to complex legal proceedings and coordinated lawsuits.

Legal Rights After an Aviation Accident

Victims and families may pursue compensation through:

• Wrongful Death Claims: When negligence or mechanical failure leads to a fatal crash.
• Product Liability: Against manufacturers of defective aircraft components.
• Negligence Claims: Against airlines, maintenance providers, or air traffic controllers.

Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Aviation cases are complex, often requiring detailed investigations, coordination with federal agencies, and extensive resources.

FAQs About Aviation Accident Lawsuits

1. Are plane crashes more common in 2025?
   No. While recent aviation accidents have received significant attention, NTSB data shows the overall number of accidents has not spiked. Commercial crashes remain rare, but general aviation accidents occur more frequently.
2. What is the difference between a plane crash and an aviation incident?
   A crash or accident involves serious injury, death, or significant aircraft damage. An incident involves safety risks that do not cause major harm but still require investigation.
3. If my loved one died in a plane crash, do I have legal rights?
   Yes. Families may file wrongful death claims to recover damages for financial loss, emotional suffering, and other expenses caused by negligence or equipment failure.
4. What types of damages can victims recover?
   Victims may recover compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, disability, long-term care, and pain and suffering. Families in fatal crash cases may seek funeral expenses and compensation for loss of support.
5. How long do aviation investigations take?
   NTSB investigations can take months or even years. However, victims may still pursue claims while investigations are ongoing.
6. Can I file a lawsuit if the crash involved a private plane instead of a commercial airline?
   Yes. General aviation crashes often involve pilot error or mechanical issues. Victims and families can pursue compensation regardless of whether the flight was commercial or private.
7. Do I need a law firm with national resources for an aviation case?
   Yes. Aviation cases often involve federal regulations, multiple states, and international parties. A national firm with resources and litigation experience is critical to handling such complex claims.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or your family has been impacted by a plane crash or aviation accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national aviation accident law firm representing victims of aviation disasters across the United States. Our attorneys fight for the rights of victims and families in cases involving both commercial and private aircraft accidents.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and pursue justice on your behalf. Regardless of your location or where the accident occurred, our national aviation accident law firm is ready to assist you.