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The number of recent plane crashes has drawn attention. Experts analyze the causes and explain whether there is reason for concern
In recent months, a series of plane crashes and incidents have worried frequent flyers and aviation experts around the world. world. In January 2025, several alarming episodes were recorded.
In the US, the collision between a jet from American Airlines and a helicopter Black Hawk near Washington DC, the crash of a medical transport plane in Philadelphia and a United Airlines flight that emitted smoke before takeoff in Houston.
Given this, many people are asking themselves: why are these accidents happening more frequently? Is commercial aviation still safe? To better understand, we analyzed the latest data and consulted experts.
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Plane crashes
According to US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), There have already been about 15 accidents or minor collisions involving commercial jets and smaller aircraft recorded this year in the United States. In addition, minor incidents were also reported, including mechanical failures and forced landings.
In Brazil, this Friday, the 7th, a small plane crashed on Avenida Marquês de São Vicente, in Barra Funda, West Zone of São Paulo, hitting a bus.
According to information from the Fire Department and Military Police, the aircraft took off from Campo de Marte Airport at 7:15 am and crashed minutes later, attempting a forced landing.
The impact caused an explosion, damaging several vehicles. The accident resulted in two deaths and two injuries.
What is causing the increase in air accidents?
The reasons for these accidents vary. The collision between the American Airlines jet and the Black Hawk helicopter is still under investigation, as is the crash of the medical plane in Philadelphia. Other incidents, such as the one in California, have been attributed to technical failures.
Experts point out some factors that may be contributing to the increase in incidents:
- human factor: pilot and air traffic controller errors continue to be one of the main causes of accidents.
- Fleet fatigue: Many aircraft have been in operation for decades, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
- Infrastructure and maintenance: delays and reduced investment in airports and aircraft can impact safety.
- Extreme weather: severe storms and turbulence have been more frequent, increasing the risk of incidents.
Is it still safe to fly?
Despite recent events, experts say flying remains the safest form of transportation.
Second Anthony Brickhouse, aviation security expert, “passengers are safer on their flight than driving to the airport".
He emphasizes that investigations into these incidents must be monitored by the public to ensure that improvements are made. implemented.
Bloomberg data indicates that 2024 was the deadliest year for aviation since 2018, with around 300 fatalities globally. However, this number is still low when compared to the total volume of flights carried out.
What to expect for the future of aviation safety?
With the increase in incidents, governments and companies are expected to invest more in operational safety, monitoring and technology. Some measures that should be prioritized include:
- Aircraft modernization: replacing old models with new ones, with advanced security systems.
- Improved training: more rigorous training for pilots and ground crews.
- Monitoring of weather conditions: greater investment in forecasting and analysis of meteorological risks.
Passengers can also contribute to their safety by choosing airlines with a good maintenance track record and following protocols during flights.
Therefore, even in the face of recent incidents, aviation safety continues to evolve and passengers should trust in ongoing improvements to keep air travel safe.
