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More than 20 major aircraft accidents have taken place in 2025: Here’s the full list

Sadly, over 20 aircraft accidents have resulted in fatalities so far this year, prompting increased scrutiny regarding aviation safety.

Sadly, over 20 aircraft accidents have resulted in fatalities so far this year, prompting increased scrutiny regarding aviation safety.
Umit Bektas
Maite Knorr-Evans
Maite joined the AS USA in 2021, bringing her experience as a research analyst investigating illegal logging to the team. Maite’s interest in politics propelled her to pursue a degree in international relations and a master's in political philosophy. At AS USA, Maite combines her knowledge of political economy and personal finance to empower readers by providing answers to their most pressing questions.
Update:

Flying is one of the safest forms of travel; however, when plane crashes occur, this fact can be hard to accept. The recent tragic crash in Washington, DC, in late January, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people, has caused the media to highlight other incidents, potentially skewing our perception of reality. Yesterday, Thursday, April 10, a helicopter crash in New York City led to the deaths of those aboard, and earlier today, a small plane crashed in a street near Boca Raton, Florida.

As of March 30, 2025, there have been 27 plane crashes or accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Some may be surprised to learn that there were 48 such crashes at this same time last year. All of this data comes from the courtesy of the US Department of Transportation’s Aviation Investigation Search.

Scrutiny on safety in the aviation sector increases

Of the 27 accidents reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 17 resulted in fatalities, compared to 24 fatalities at the same point last year. In 2024, the total number of fatal aircraft accidents reached 153, 15 of which involved helicopters.

In the first three months of the year, 101 fatalities have resulted from tragic aviation accidents, 67 of which occurred during an incident in Washington, D.C. There a military helicopter collided with a commercial jet over the Potomac River while the jet was descending into Reagan National Airport.

Fatal aircraft accidents | January 1, 2025 - March 30, 2025

  1. 01/02/2025 - Fullerton, California - 2 fatalites, 8 serious injuries, 11 minor injuries
  2. 01/02/2025 - Round Mountain, Nevada - 1 fatality
  3. 01/12/2025 - Batesville, Arkansas - 1 fatality
  4. 01/14/2025 - Rock Springs, Wyoming - 1 fatality
  5. 01/25/2025 - Charlottesville, Virginia - 1 fatality
  6. 01/29/2025 - Washington, District of Columbia - 67 fatalites
  7. 01/31/2025 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 7 fatalites, 4 serious injuries, 20 minor injuries 
  8. 02/06/2025- Nome, Alaska - 10 fatalites
  9. 02/10/2025 - Scottsdale, Arizona - 1 fatality, 3 serious injuries, 1 minor injury
  10. 02/14/2025 - Pierson, Florida - 1 fatality
  11. 02/16/2025 - Covington, Georgia - 2 fatalites
  12. 02/19/2025 - Marana, Arizona - 2 fatalities 
  13. 03/01/2025 - Matheson, Colorado - 1 fatality
  14. 03/04/2025 - Renslow, Washington - 1 fatality
  15. 03/13/2025 - Mesquite, Texas - 1 fatality
  16. 03/22/2025 - Zellwood, Florida - 1 fatality
  17. 03/30/2025 - Franklin Township, New Jersey - 1 fatality
     

It is crucial that these accidents receive coverage, as those involved in air traffic safety—including air traffic controllers—have been voicing concerns for years about the need for more resources to ensure the safety of the country’s skies for passengers.

Accidents that led to serious injuries | January 1, 2025 - March 30, 2025

  1. 01/16/2025 - Bentonville, Arkansas - 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury
  2. 01/23/2025 - Columbia, California - 2 serious injuries
  3. 01/29/2025 - Santa Barbara, California - 2 serious injuries
  4. 02/01/2025 - Daggett, California - 2 serious injuries
  5. 02/05/2025 - New Lexington, Ohio - 1 serious injury
  6. 02/16/2025 - Laredo, Texas - 1 serious injury
  7. 02/26/2025 - Manchester, Vermont - 2 serious injuries, 1 minor injury
  8. 03/02/2025 - San Diego, California - 1 serious injury, 175 none
  9. 03/28/2025 - Bennettsville, South Carolina - 1 serious injury

Why larger aircraft are safer than smaller jets

Additionally, it’s important to note that most airplane accidents involve smaller aircraft. Larger aircraft are generally safer due to their heavier weight, which allows them to navigate rough air and weather conditions more effectively. They can also fly at higher altitudes, enabling them to avoid many dangerous situations.

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