Recently in the US there have been a lot of catastrophes but a repeating incident has been plane crashes. The total amount of deaths since Jan 29, 2025 has been 74. This was from a total of 2 plane crashes. One plane crash took place in D.C. between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight. The other crash took place on Jan 31, 2025 on Cottman Avenue in front of the Roosevelt Mall. It was a Learjet 55 operated by a jet rescue air ambulance.
The Black Hawk-Commercial Jet collision occurred at 8:47pm, roughly 300 feet over the Potomac River, near Reagan National Airport just beyond the Nation’s capital.
Rescue teams were able to salvage the remains of all 67 victims from the debris in the Potomac River, opening the investigation of why the crash occurred. Reporters and the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) are reviewing the flight data and the cockpit voice recorders from both aircraft. Interviews were also made with 5 air traffic controllers who were working at Reagan the night of the catastrophe; their statements have not yet been released.
It has been confirmed that all major pieces and equipment have been pulled from the Potomac River. It’s confirmed that the wreckage was brought to airport facilities for further examination in the investigation.
Senior Adam Clark, majoring in aviation next year, shared his opinion on the crash, “I think that the reason had to do something with the aircrafts tools and systems and possibly the air traffic control tower. There was a miscommunication somewhere.” A
lthough, fault has not been decided by the NTSB yet, President Trump has made statements claiming the government will be making changes in order to prevent an incident like this from happening again.
The next story and arguably the most tragic story, took place in Philadelphia is the closest to home and hearts of people in the city of Philadelphia. Just days before the Eagles took the field in the Super Bowl a plane crashed in Philadelphia killing seven people. A medevac jet taking home a child from life saving surgery was the spearhead of the crash.
Those on the ground were hurt too. Debris fell from the sky as a father of three and his children. Andre Howard Jr. looked in the backseat to see his seven year old physically well, but when checking on his 10 year old and four year old he was horrified to see a piece of metal lodged in his son’s head. His son had protected his sister by shielding her with his own body. Andre and people surrounding him rushed to help his son and get him to a nearby hospital very quickly.
Some recent plane crashes-
TWA Flight 800 (1996): This Boeing 747 exploded in mid-air shortly after takeoff from New York’s JFK Airport, killing all 230 people on board. The investigation concluded that a spark from a wire in the center fuel tank ignited the fuel vapors. The incident led to significant changes in fuel tank safety regulations.
Pan Am Flight 103 (1988): This flight was bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in the deaths of all 259 people on board and 11 individuals on the ground. The investigation revealed that a bomb had been placed in the cargo hold. The tragedy led to increased security measures in airports worldwide.
Air France Flight 447 (2009): This Airbus A330 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, killing all 228 passengers and crew. The investigation revealed that the pilots had lost control of the aircraft due to a combination of factors, including pitot tube icing and inadequate pilot response. The incident prompted changes in pilot training and aircraft systems.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 (2014): This flight disappeared while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board. Despite extensive search efforts, the aircraft has never been found, leading to numerous theories and speculation. The mystery surrounding its disappearance has made it one of the most discussed aviation incidents in history.
Colgan Air Flight 3407 (2009): This regional flight crashed into a house in Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. The crash was attributed to pilot error and inadequate training. It led to significant changes in regulations regarding pilot training and fatigue management.
The Hindenburg Disaster (1937): Although not a plane crash in the traditional sense, the Hindenburg was a German passenger airship that caught fire while attempting to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The disaster resulted in 36 fatalities and marked the end of the airship era in commercial aviation.
United Airlines Flight 93 (2001): This flight was hijacked during the September 11 attacks and ultimately crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers. The bravery of the passengers is often highlighted, and the incident had a profound impact on aviation security measures.
