In the news, explained
When something goes wrong, here's what really happened.
News moves fast; investigations move carefully. These explainers stick to what official investigators and reputable reporters have published, and say clearly when an investigation is still open.
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January 29, 2025 · Washington, DC, USA
The Potomac River midair collision near Washington National
An airliner on approach to Reagan National Airport and an Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River. The NTSB found deep, system-wide failures in how the airspace was designed and managed — and the FAA permanently changed helicopter rules around the airport.
67 people lost their livesFinal report published (Feb 2026) -
February 17, 2025 · Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada
Delta Connection 4819: the jet that flipped over at Toronto — and everyone got out
A CRJ900 touched down hard on a windy, snowy day at Toronto Pearson, lost a wing and came to rest upside down. All 80 people on board survived. Canada's safety board is still investigating.
Everyone survived (21 injured)Investigation ongoing (TSB Canada) -
January 5, 2024 · Portland, Oregon, USA
Alaska Airlines 1282: the door plug that came off in flight
A panel covering an unused exit separated from a nearly new Boeing 737-9 shortly after takeoff from Portland. Everyone survived, and the investigation traced it to four bolts that were never put back at the factory.
Everyone survivedFinal report published (June 2025) -
January 2, 2024 · Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan
Haneda runway collision: how all 379 people on JAL 516 got out
A Japan Airlines A350 landing in Tokyo struck a Coast Guard aircraft that had entered the runway. The airliner burned, but crew led a full evacuation in minutes. Five of six Coast Guard crew died.
All 379 on the airliner survived; 5 Coast Guard crew diedInvestigation ongoing (JTSB); progress reports published