A comparative analysis of aviation safety data reveals a notable difference in the number of fatal plane crashes during the initial weeks of President Biden's and President Trump's second administrations. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates a twofold increase in fatal crashes within the U.S. during the first four weeks of Biden's presidency compared to the same period under Trump's second term.

Specifically, the NTSB's CAROL database recorded 10 fatal plane crashes between January 20 and February 18, 2021, under Biden, resulting in 18 deaths. In contrast, the same timeframe during Trump's second term saw four fatal crashes, with a fifth occurring shortly after, bringing the total to five. While the Trump administration's early 2025 period had fewer incidents, the January crash near Washington, D.C., involving an Army helicopter and a passenger plane, tragically resulted in 67 fatalities, making it the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001.

The locations of the fatal crashes during Biden's first month included Janesville, Wisconsin; St. Thomas; Tehachapi, California; Galt, Missouri; Belvidere, Tennessee; Chitina, Alaska; Hackberry, Louisiana; Port Angeles, Washington; Boynton Beach, Florida; and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The five fatal crashes during the comparable period of Trump's second term occurred in Nome, Alaska; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Covington, Georgia, with a total of 96 fatalities.

The data also shows differences in non-fatal incidents. Seven serious (but non-fatal) crashes and seven crashes with minor injuries were recorded during Biden's first month. The corresponding figures for Trump's second term were six serious crashes and two with minor injuries.

A recent non-fatal incident involving a Delta Air Lines plane crashing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, while not included in the U.S. data, highlights ongoing aviation safety concerns. Though there were no fatalities, the incident resulted in injuries and renewed discussions about aviation safety.

This incident coincided with reports of the Trump administration dismissing federal employees, including some at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as part of cost-cutting measures. However, the Department of Transportation clarified that these dismissals did not affect air traffic controllers or critical safety personnel, and that hiring for these roles continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, for allegedly failing to address air traffic controller shortages and modernize air traffic control systems.

Despite these assurances, Democrats and some media outlets have criticized the Trump administration, linking the recent incidents to the staff reductions. Senator Chuck Schumer expressed concern about the frequency of aviation incidents and criticized the FAA layoffs, arguing they compromise air safety.