Are more airplanes crashing under President Donald Trump than under Joe Biden?
The United States has experienced a concerning increase in fatal plane crashes during President Joe Biden’s first four weeks in office compared to the same time period under former President Donald Trump’s second administration, according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board. In the span of January 20, 2021, to February 18, 2021, there were a total of 10 fatal plane crashes in the U.S., with an additional crash in Georgia not yet included in the database. This is a stark contrast to the four fatal crashes recorded during the same time frame under the second Trump administration.
The most notable of these crashes was the Washington, D.C. incident in January, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 67 individuals when an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger plane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This incident, the deadliest in U.S. history since 2001, brought significant attention to the issue of aviation safety.
During the Biden administration’s first month, fatal plane crashes occurred in various states including Wisconsin, California, Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, Louisiana, Washington, Florida, and New Mexico. These crashes resulted in the loss of 18 lives. In comparison, the five fatal crashes under the second Trump administration occurred in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Georgia, claiming a total of 96 lives.
When looking at the entirety of the two Trump administrations, there were a total of 11 fatal plane crashes between January 20, 2017, and February 18, 2017. Additionally, the Biden administration saw seven serious but non-fatal plane crashes during its first month, compared to six under the second Trump administration.
In terms of crashes resulting in minor injuries to passengers, the Biden administration recorded seven incidents, while the second Trump administration saw only two. A recent crash in Canada involving a Delta Air Lines jet further highlighted concerns about aviation safety, with at least 18 individuals treated for injuries after the plane caught fire and flipped over upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Despite these tragic incidents, the U.S. Department of Transportation assured that efforts to hire and onboard air traffic controllers and safety professionals are ongoing. However, criticisms have emerged from Democrats and liberal media outlets attributing the increase in crashes to the Trump administration’s alleged layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced concerns about the impact of these layoffs on aviation safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting the flying public.
As investigations continue into these fatal plane crashes, the focus remains on addressing any underlying issues and ensuring the safety of air travel for all passengers.
