Comparative Analysis of Fatal Plane Crashes under Biden and Trump Administrations
Introduction
Aviation safety is a paramount concern for nations worldwide. In recent times, the United States has witnessed a series of fatal plane crashes, raising questions about the effectiveness of aviation safety measures. This article aims to analyze the number of fatal plane crashes during the first four weeks of office of President Joe Biden and compare it to the same period under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Fatal Plane Crashes under the Biden Administration
According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Case Analysis and Reporting Online (CAROL) database, there were 10 fatal plane crashes in the United States between January 20, 2021, and February 18, 2021, the first four weeks of President Biden’s administration. These crashes occurred in various locations, including Janesville, Wisconsin; St. Thomas, Caribbean Sea; Tehachapi, California; Galt, Missouri; Belvidere, Tennessee; Chitina, Alaska; Hackberry, Louisiana; Port Angeles, Washington; Boynton Beach, Florida; and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Tragically, 18 individuals lost their lives in these incidents.
Fatal Plane Crashes under the Trump Administration
In comparison, there were five fatal plane crashes during the same four-week period under President Trump’s second administration, from inauguration day on January 20, 2017, to February 18, 2017. These crashes took place in Nome, Alaska; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Covington, Georgia. The total death toll from these crashes was 96.
Comparative Analysis
The data indicates that there were twice as many fatal plane crashes in the United States during the first four weeks of the Biden administration compared to the same period under President Trump’s second administration. However, it is important to note that aviation safety is a complex issue with various contributing factors, and direct cause-and-effect relationships cannot be drawn from this initial comparison.
Serious and Minor Plane Crashes
In addition to fatal crashes, the CAROL database also records serious and minor plane crashes. Between January 20, 2021, and February 18, 2021, the Biden administration experienced seven serious plane crashes and seven crashes resulting in minor injuries. The Trump administration, during the same period, had six serious plane crashes and two crashes with minor injuries.
Recent Plane Crash in Toronto
On March 8, 2023, a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jet originating from Minneapolis crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. While there were no fatalities, at least 18 passengers and crew members sustained injuries when the plane crashed, caught fire, and flipped upside down. This incident has reignited concerns about aviation safety and prompted scrutiny of FAA policies.
Controversy and Criticism
The recent uptick in plane crashes has drawn criticism from Democrats and liberal media outlets, who have blamed the Trump administration’s policies for the accidents. Some have pointed to the Trump administration’s layoffs of FAA employees, including safety specialists, as a contributing factor to the reduced safety oversight.
However, the FAA and the Department of Transportation have defended their actions, stating that they have retained employees who perform safety-critical functions. The agency has also emphasized its ongoing efforts to hire air traffic controllers and safety professionals.
Conclusion
The comparison of fatal plane crashes during the first four weeks of the Biden and Trump administrations highlights the complexity of aviation safety. While there were more fatal crashes under the Biden administration during this period, it is essential to avoid hasty generalizations and consider the various factors that influence aviation safety. Ongoing investigations and policy reviews are crucial to determine the causes of the recent crashes and develop effective measures to enhance air travel safety.
