An American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in a catastrophic accident that has become the deadliest aviation incident in the U.S. in the past 15 years. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, with recovery efforts ongoing and no survivors expected among the 67 occupants, according to officials.

This tragedy recalls several of the deadliest plane crashes in American history, including a notable incident on February 12, 2009, when a Colgan Air flight crashed near Buffalo, New York, taking the lives of 50 individuals, including passengers and pilots. Back then, the flight crew's mismanagement during critical moments contributed to the disaster, an example of how human error can influence air travel safety.

Significant past accidents are important reminders of the evolving landscape of air travel safety, which is primarily attributed to advancements in aviation technology. For instance, in August 1985, a Delta Air Lines flight crashed while approaching Dallas Fort Worth International Airport during severe weather, claiming 134 lives. This incident was a direct consequence of the aircraft's struggle with the elements, highlighting the challenges pilots face.

Prior to the recent incident, the last major crash was the Comair disaster of August 27, 2006, which occurred in Lexington, Kentucky, due to a takeoff from the wrong runway. Tragically, 49 lives were lost that day.

September 11, 2001, remains the most harrowing date in U.S. aviation history, with nearly 3,000 fatalities attributed to terrorist attacks involving four commercial jetliners. Similarly, on November 12, 2001, an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area, killing all 260 aboard. These incidents, as noted by the National Transportation Safety Board, point to critical issues in pilot training and operational procedures across the industry.

Historically significant planes that meet with tragedy often serve as catalysts for change in safety regulations and training protocols. The recent Mridair collision serves not only as a reminder of the past but challenges the aviation industry to reinforce its commitment to safety as well as to address the human factors that continue to play a significant role in accidents.

As investigators work tirelessly to determine the cause of the recent D.C. accident, the industry looks back on these occurrences, underscoring the delicate balance between human involvement and advanced technology in the pursuit of safer skies.

For further details on the deadliest crashes mentioned, please see the following sources: CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.