According to a report from WMTV-15, Wisconsin aviation experts are emphasizing that the drive to the airport is still more dangerous than the flight itself. The President of Wisconsin Aviation Jeff Baum acknowledged that “2025, unfortunately, has had a very bad start for aviation.” At the same time, he also wanted to remind people that “your most dangerous part of the flight is actually driving to the airport and driving home.”Here, our Wisconsin airline accident attorney discusses the data and provides a more comprehensive overview of recent aviation accidents.
Motor Vehicle Transportation is Far More Dangerous than Airline Travel
Even with some of the very shocking, tragic recent airline disasters, it remains the case that motor vehicle travel is more dangerous. Statistically speaking, air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation. In contrast, driving carries a higher risk of accidents that cause injuries or deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the odds of dying in a car accident during the course of your lifetime are around 1 in 100. On the other hand, the odds of dying in a plane crash are far lower—around 1 in 11 million.
With that being said, airline accidents can and do happen. When someone goes wrong in the air, the consequences can be catastrophic. There is good reason for people to be alarmed. Unfortunately, there has been a series of terrifying high-profile airline disasters to start 2025. These incidents are still under investigation by authorities. We need to know exactly what went wrong so that the problems can be fixed immediately.
Three Major High Profile Airline Disasters Raise Fears
Military Helicopter Collides With Commercial Jet in Nation’s Capital
As confirmed by the Associated Press (AP), a tragic midair collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on January 29th, 2025. The commercial flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was on final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, conducting a training mission, carried three military personnel. The collision resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on both aircraft. A comprehensive investigation is still underway to determine exactly what happened.
Medical Plane Crashes Shortly After Take-Off in Philadelphia
On January 31, 2025, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed into the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Philadelphia shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft was en route to Tijuana, Mexico. It was transporting a six-year-old patient, her mother, two medical personnel, and two pilots. The crash occurred approximately 30 seconds after departure, resulting in a fiery explosion that destroyed multiple homes and vehicles. All six occupants of the jet and one person on the ground were killed. 19 people on the ground were hurt. Witnesses reported seeing the plane ascend briefly before falling fast. Investigators are examining all potential causes. Both mechanical failure and pilot disorientation are possible culprits.
Commercial Airliner Makes a Very Hard Landing in Toronto (Flipped Over)
On February 17, 2025, Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a catastrophic landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Bombardier CRJ900LR, en route from Minneapolis with 76 passengers and four crew members, encountered severe crosswinds and icy runway conditions upon approach. The aircraft landed hard, causing the right wing and T-tail to detach and igniting a fire. The plane then flipped over, coming to rest upside down off the right side of the runway. Thankfully, all 80 occupants survived. Though, nearly two dozen suffered significant injuries in the accident.
How Our Wisconsin Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help
Claims for aviation accidents in Wisconsin are complicated. Following any safety incident related to flying—whether a catastrophic crash, hard landing, or a fall accident on the plane itself—it is imperative that you have strong, experienced representation. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are proud to put victims and families first. With decades of experience fighting for victims and families in Wisconsin, our firm has recovered millions in compensation for clients. Your initial consultation with our Wisconsin airline accident lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero additional obligations.
Hurt in an Airline Accident in Wisconsin? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin airline accident lawyers provide justice-first advocacy to victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in any type of airline accident in Wisconsin, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. We represent aviation accident victims and their families throughout Wisconsin.