2026 Sees Several Fatal Plane Crashes Worldwide: Full List

Following several fatal aviation accidents in January, more crashes were reported in February and March 2026. They involved military aircraft, a regional passenger jet, an air ambulance, and a small private plane.

March 2026 plane crashes

Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collision at LaGuardia Airport, New York, US

On March 22, 2026, an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 regional jet collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Both pilots were killed, and 39 of the 76 people on board were taken to hospital with injuries. Air Canada said six of them were still hospitalized the following day. The aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, had arrived from Montreal, and the collision caused major disruption at one of New York’s busiest airports.

The investigation is already more advanced than in several of the other cases. The NTSB said the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered soon after the crash, and investigators are examining staffing, controller workload, runway communications, and the airport’s tracking systems.

Staffing in the control tower that night may have violated procedures, so the probe is now focused not only on the fire truck’s movement, but also on whether airport operations and staffing decisions contributed to the accident.

The crash was followed by backlash against Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau over an English-only condolence message, after which he apologized, faced political pressure in Quebec, and the airline later said he would retire by October 2026.

KC-135 crash in western Iraq

On March 13, 2026, a US military KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members on board. US officials said another aircraft was involved in the incident, but it landed safely. Early statements also said the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

The investigation remains limited in public detail. US officials confirmed the deaths and ruled out some early possibilities, but they have not yet released a final public explanation of what caused the aircraft to go down. So at this point, the case is still in the evidence-gathering stage from the public’s perspective, with no formal conclusion announced.

February 2026 plane crashes

Beechcraft air ambulance crash in Simaria, Jharkhand, India

On February 23, 2026, a Beechcraft air ambulance crashed in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, killing all seven people on board. The victims included two crew members, a patient, and the patient’s relatives. Officials said the aircraft was operating a medical transport flight when it went down.

India’s aviation regulator confirmed that a formal investigation had been opened, but public reporting has so far provided very little beyond that initial step. No preliminary findings or likely cause had been announced in the reporting available at the time, which suggests the case was still at an early investigative stage.

Light plane crash off Goolwa South, South Australia, Australia

On February 6, 2026, a light plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of South Australia, killing all three men on board. Police said the aircraft went down near Long Bay, close to Goolwa South, shortly after the flight began. The crash happened in front of witnesses, and the wreckage was later recovered from the water.

Here, the investigation has moved further forward. Australia’s ATSB released a preliminary update on March 4, saying witness video showed the aircraft in a steep descent, in a left-turn spin, with the landing gear retracted. Witnesses also said the engine appeared to be running until impact. Even so, that was only a preliminary report, and the ATSB said a final report will come later after more technical analysis, including wreckage and flight data review.

January 2026 plane crashes

Learjet 45XR crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, India

On January 28, 2026, a Learjet 45XR business jet attempting to land at Baramati airfield in Maharashtra, India, crashed near the runway, killing all five people on board. Among the victims was Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was traveling to participate in local election campaign events.

The aircraft was operating as a charter flight. Eyewitnesses reported that the jet initially attempted to land but aborted the approach. On its second landing attempt, the plane struck near the runway threshold and burst into flames.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have launched a formal investigation. Early observations suggest that the lack of a full instrument landing system at Baramati and possible landing instability during the final approach may have played a role in the crash.

Bombardier Challenger 650 crash in Bangor, Maine, US

On the night of January 25, 2026, a Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet crashed shortly after taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine, killing all six people on board.

Severe winter weather was a significant factor, and although the aircraft had been de-iced, investigators from the NTSB and FAA are examining potential wing icing and low visibility as contributing elements. No official cause has yet been determined.

Air Transport ATR 42 crash in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Earlier in the month, on January 17, 2026, an ATR 42-512 turboprop operated by Indonesia Air Transport crashed over South Sulawesi. The flight had departed from Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta and was headed to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar. All ten aboard were killed.

Search and rescue teams discovered the wreckage on Bulusaraung Mountain, a remote and rugged area, and recovered both of the aircraft's flight recorders for detailed analysis. Investigators are examining terrain, weather conditions, and aircraft performance as potential factors in the crash.

To learn about common causes of plane crashes and how investigations unfold, read our material that explains aviation accidents and whether it is safe to fly.