Fatal crashes fuel concerns over aviation safety in US

SACRAMENTO — The United States has experienced four fatal aviation accidents in just 13 days, claiming dozens of lives and heightening concerns about aviation safety.

As investigations unfold, attention is focused on potential factors such as political interference, staffing shortages, and systemic failures that may have contributed to these tragedies.

The latest incident occurred on Monday, when a Learjet 35A veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 upon landing at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, leaving one dead and four others injured.

The deadliest one occurred on Jan 29 near Washington, when American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 64 people, collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. Tragically, all 67 people aboard both aircraft were killed, making it the deadliest US aviation disaster in more than 20 years.

Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board reveal that a single air traffic controller was managing both flights at the time, a scenario that is considered "not normal" for Reagan National Airport during that time of day.

Two days later, a medical Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff in Philadelphia, killing all six passengers. One person on the ground was also killed.

Early reports suggest communication issues with air traffic control and possible mechanical problems contributed to the crash.

On Feb 6, another tragedy struck Alaska when Bering Air Flight 445 crashed into sea ice southeast of Nome, killing all 10 passengers.

Disturbing pattern

The concentration of these accidents in such a short period of time has alarmed industry experts, who are increasingly concerned about the resilience of US aviation safety protocols. While each crash is being investigated separately, many experts see a disturbing pattern emerging.

Former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Peter Goelz pointed to persistent staffing shortages in air traffic control as a recurring issue in recent accidents, according to reports. The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization has described staffing levels as "critically low" nationwide. Overworked controllers handling multiple flights at once can make errors, especially during critical phases of flight.

Some critics argue that political decisions have exacerbated the staffing crisis. Last year, an executive order prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in federal hiring sparked controversy. They contend that the focus was distracted from the need to fill essential technical positions, worsening staffing shortages.

The Federal Aviation Administration has acknowledged difficulties meeting staffing goals but maintains that safety remains its top priority.

Xinhua