 |
The Aviation Industry Is In Chaos As There Is Another Plane Crash, Now Involving A Delta Flight | Evening News Rundown
The aviation industry is in chaos as there is another plane crash, now involving a Delta flight in Toronto, Trump media suffers major losses, and the Administration fires hundreds of FAA employees.
It’s February 17th and here is your evening news rundown. Before I get to the bullet point list, if you want to support my work, and help me continue doing this work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today. We will be having our next paid subscriber live tonight at 9 PM EST.
This post will be a bit longer than usual, but as I promised on Instagram and TikTok, I’m diving deep into the state of aviation in America, particularly with American Airlines and its competition, such as Delta. There has been growing concern over air travel since January 20th, and it's essential to address where things stand and what you should know, especially as aviation incidents have made headlines recently.
Before I break down the incidents that have occurred since January 20th, I want to make a couple of key points. First, air travel is incredibly safe. Statistically, the vast majority of flights operate without incident. The incidents we hear about represent an extraordinarily small fraction of the millions of flights that take off each year. Second, crashes involving smaller, private planes have been happening long before January 20th, but the current heightened concerns around air travel, paired with high-profile incidents like the ones in Toronto and D.C., have led to more coverage and awareness.
Now, let’s take a thorough look at the state of American aviation right now. I’m diving into the details and offering insights that aren’t typically covered in mainstream media. If you find this information valuable and want access to more in-depth analysis like this, consider subscribing. It takes significant time and effort to research, curate, and present these updates, and your support helps me continue to provide content that goes beyond the surface level.
In a recent development, the Trump administration has begun firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, including those working in critical areas like radar systems, landing support, and navigational aid maintenance. These terminations, which took place over the President's Day weekend, have sparked concerns about the impact on air safety, particularly amid existing staffing shortages in the FAA. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has expressed alarm about the potential risks posed by these firings, as the employees involved play vital roles in ensuring smooth and safe flight operations.
January 29, 2025: First Commercial Plane Crash in 16 Years in Washington D.C.
Event: A mid-air collision occurred near Washington D.C., involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Details: On January 29, 2025, a mid-air collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. The American Airlines flight, operating as Flight 5342, was a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Black Hawk helicopter, registered as 87-24707, was conducting a routine training flight for the U.S. Army's 12th Aviation Battalion. The collision occurred over the Potomac River, near the airport, leading to the tragic loss of life.
January 31, 2025: Learjet Crash in Philadelphia
Event: A Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed in the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Details: On January 31, 2025, Med Jets Flight 056, a Learjet 55 air ambulance, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft, on a medical flight to Tijuana, Mexico, was carrying six individuals, including a young patient and her mother, as well as four crew members. Tragically, all aboard perished. The crash caused fires and explosions, claiming one life on the ground and injuring at least 24 others. Weather conditions at the time included light rain, fog, and gusty winds, which may have contributed to the accident. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
February 5, 2025: Japan Airlines Plane Strikes Delta Flight on Runway in Seattle
Event: A Japan Airlines flight collided with a parked Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Details: On February 5, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., a Japan Airlines aircraft, while taxiing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, collided with the tail of a stationary Delta Air Lines plane. The incident occurred on the ramp between the S Concourse and the south airport maintenance hangars. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew of either flight. However, the collision, combined with winter weather conditions, led to over 170 flight delays and some cancellations that day.
February 6, 2025: Bering Air Flight Wrecks in Nome, Alaska
Event: Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, crashed into sea ice near Nome, Alaska.
Details: On February 6, 2025, Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B, crashed into sea ice 34 miles southeast of Nome, Alaska, killing all 10 people on board. The flight, which was traveling from Unalakleet Airport to Nome Airport, disappeared during its journey, and the wreckage was located after extensive search efforts. The passengers included both Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium employees, who were on a work mission, as well as other community members. The crash is under investigation, with weather conditions and a rapid loss of elevation potentially contributing to the accident.
February 10, 2025: Plane Crashes in Scottsdale, AZ
Event: A small business jet, owned by Vince Neil, crashed into a parked Gulfstream 2100 business jet at Scottsdale Airport.
Details: On February 10, 2025, a Learjet 35A, owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil, veered off the runway at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 jet. The crash resulted in the death of the Learjet's pilot, 78-year-old Marine veteran Joie Vitosky, and injuries to three others, including Neil's girlfriend, Rain Andreani, who sustained five broken ribs. Neil was not on the plane at the time of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, with initial reports indicating a failure in the Learjet's left main landing gear upon landing.
February 12, 2025: Military Fighter Jet Crashes into San Diego Bay
Event: An EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jet crashed into San Diego Bay.
Details: On February 12, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into San Diego Bay during a "go-around" maneuver near Naval Air Station North Island. Both pilots ejected safely before the crash and were rescued by a nearby fishing boat. They were subsequently transported to a hospital in stable condition. The incident occurred in misty and rainy conditions, and the aircraft plunged nose-first into the water, creating a significant plume. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
February 16, 2025: Plane Crashes in Covington, GA
Event: A small plane crashed near Covington Municipal Airport, resulting in two fatalities.
Details: On February 16, 2025, a small single-engine plane, a Rockwell Commander, crashed shortly after taking off from Covington Municipal Airport in Newton County, Georgia, killing the two people on board. The plane, which had taken off around 11:20 p.m., lost communication with air traffic control shortly afterward. The wreckage was found in the woods near the runway, and both victims, identified as Janet Hardee, 59, and James Hardee, 62, were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
February 17, 2025: Delta Plane Crashes Upon Landing In Toronto, Canada
Event: A Delta airplane experienced a crash landing at the Toronto Airport, flipping upside down during landing.
Details: On February 17, 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, a Bombardier CRJ-900, crashed upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down on the runway. The flight, originating from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, had approximately 80 people on board. Emergency crews responded promptly, and all passengers and crew were accounted for, with at least eight individuals reported injured. The crash occurred following a heavy winter storm that deposited nearly nine inches of snow at the airport, requiring overnight efforts to clear the runways. The incident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
With that, here is all the news that you may have missed today, other than the plane crash in Toronto:
Donald Trump’s Media company announced more than $400 million in losses in 2024 along with a steep drop in revenue.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has announced that he has asked the Department of Justice to investigate whether or not AOC has violated the law by hosting a “know your rights” webinar.
Germany will be rejecting Britian’s plan to send troops to Ukraine as Europe is splitting on a possible peace deal.
A Elon Musk-backed group has begun running TV ads in Wisconsin ahead of the April Supreme Court election.
Denmark’s Prime Minister is sounding the alarm in Paris stating that Russia is threatening all of Europe.
The Trump Administration is putting pressure on Romania to life travel restrictions for Andrew Tate and his brother while they await trial on human trafficking charges.
Thank you all for your support. See you all this evening for our live!
Aaron
