The Seattle area has been a cradle of aviation innovation for over a century, so it is not surprising that those of us who call this area home are particularly attuned to news about the industry. Unfortunately, most of the recent news seems to be bad news.
2025 is off to a turbulent start, with reports of aircraft accidents constantly making headlines. But a look at the data suggests this year’s crash rate is actually lower than normal.
However, at Stritmatter Law, we believe that any preventable crash is one too many. And we welcome the support of anyone who wants to join with us in holding the aviation industry accountable.
A Spike in Accidents? 2025 by the Numbers
According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were 256 aircraft accidents in the first quarter of 2025. This is an alarmingly high number, but it is sadly not out of the ordinary.
In fact, it is the lowest number of recorded accidents in Q1 since 2014. There were 287 accidents in the first three months of 2024, 278 in 2023, 295 in 2022, 287 in 2021, 263 in 2020, 259 in 2019, 276 in 2018, 279 in 2017, and 263 in 2016, which works out to a 10 year average of 274 accidents in the first quarter of each year.
As people become more aware of this unacceptably high but “normal” number of crashes, safety experts and travelers alike are starting to ask tough questions. And the Stritmatter Law team applauds this. As a firm that regularly represents clients who are injured in aircraft-related accidents, we have seen the dark side of this industry—the willingness of people in power to look the other way, cut corners, or hide inconvenient truths about what could be done to protect people from harm, and it is appalling.
Plenty of Room for Improvement
There are many things that could be done to limit the number of aircraft accidents we are seeing.
- Mechanical Failures: An increased focus on the importance of regular maintenance and inspections, and stiffer penalties for those who fail to meet those standards would be a game-changer.
- Air Traffic Controller Shortages: A significant deficit in air traffic controllers has been identified as a critical factor affecting aviation safety. More should be hired and trained as quickly as possible.
- Pilot Shortages: The aviation industry is grappling with a shortage of qualified pilots, exacerbated by the pandemic and retirements. Once again it is time to hire and train new employees as quickly as possible.
- Aging Infrastructure: Outdated equipment and insufficient maintenance funding have raised concerns about the reliability of air traffic control systems and airports themselves. It is time to invest in the future.
These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive investment in aviation infrastructure and workforce development to ensure continued safety. Even here in Seattle, which is a hub of aviation innovation, the February 5 incident at Sea-Tac where a Japan Airlines aircraft collided with a parked Delta plane, shows there is plenty of room for improvement.
Real Justice for Real People
While flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, the attention drawn to aviation accidents in 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, investment, and accountability in the aviation sector. As legal professionals and advocates for public safety, we urge policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to prioritize measures that enhance the safety and reliability of air travel.
Until then, we remain committed to standing with those affected by these tragedies in the air and on the tarmac. Stritmatter Law’s experienced team of personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping people in the Seattle area and beyond find justice and closure after aircraft accidents. Please contact us today if we can be of assistance to you.
