In the last month, plane crashes in the U.S. have raised concerns about air travel safety, but experts say flying is still extremely safe.
Here are two of the events:
A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport, flipping over and injuring 21 passengers. Survivor Nate Richie described the terrifying moment as the plane caught fire. (NY Post).
Another major accident occurred near Washington, D.C., when a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air, killing 67 people. This crash ended a 15-year streak of no major passenger plane fatalities in the U.S. (The Sun).
Despite these crashes, experts say air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. MIT’s Arnold Barnett points out that fatal accident rates remain extremely low. (Condé Nast Traveler). However, challenges like pilot shortages and outdated infrastructure are putting pressure on the system. There have also been delays in investigating accidents, raising concerns about safety oversight. (Reuters).
While recent crashes are alarming, flying is still far safer than driving. Experts stress that ongoing safety improvements and industry changes will help maintain aviation’s strong track record.