If you’re checking the news or scanning social media asking yourself, have there been any plane crashes today, you're probably looking for a quick "yes" or "no." Honestly, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the short answer for major commercial airlines is: No. There have been no catastrophic crashes involving large passenger jets today.
That’s a relief. But if you’re a nervous flier or just someone who likes to stay informed, the full story is always a bit more nuanced.
Aviation doesn't just stop. While there weren't any "big" crashes today, the industry is currently buzzing over some massive investigative updates regarding recent accidents. Specifically, a major report was just released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concerning the UPS Flight 2976 disaster that happened in Louisville back in November.
What’s Happening Right Now in Aviation News?
Even on days without a new accident, the ghost of past incidents keeps investigators busy. Today, January 14, 2026, is actually a pretty significant day for aviation safety data.
Earlier this morning, the NTSB dropped a factual update on the UPS cargo crash. They’ve pinpointed a specific part—a three-inch-wide metal housing called a bearing race—that basically snapped. This caused the left engine of that MD-11 to fly right off the wing. It's a terrifying thought, but finding the "why" is how we keep the "today" count at zero.
In other news today:
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- A private Cessna 750 skidded off the runway at Telluride Regional Airport in Colorado yesterday (January 13). We’re getting more details today—everyone walked away fine, but the plane is a mess after hitting a massive crosswind on that high-altitude runway.
- A pilot in Boise, Idaho, was just arrested today on charges related to a crash that happened late last year. It turns out he was allegedly flying under the influence.
- The Air Force just launched a new "Unit Risk Forecasting" tool today to try and predict which squadrons are at higher risk for mishaps before they actually happen.
Why We Ask: Have There Been Any Plane Crashes Today?
It’s a natural human instinct to worry about flight. You're sitting in a pressurized tube miles above the earth. Of course you're checking the status of the skies.
Usually, when people search for have there been any plane crashes today, they are looking for "The Big One." We’ve become so used to the incredible safety record of commercial flying that any deviation feels like a glitch in the matrix.
Statistically, you're more likely to get struck by lightning while winning the lottery than to be in a commercial jet crash. But statistics don't always calm the nerves when you're boarding a 6:00 AM flight to Chicago.
The "Invisible" Incidents
Most "crashes" aren't actually crashes. They're incidents.
A bird strike that forces a return to the gate.
A hydraulic leak that causes a smoky cabin.
A tail-strike on takeoff.
These happen every single day. They just don't make the front page because the systems built into the planes—redundancy upon redundancy—work exactly like they’re supposed to.
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Understanding the Risks of General Aviation vs. Commercial
There is a huge gap between the safety of a Boeing 787 and a two-seater Cessna flown by a hobbyist on the weekends. When you hear about a "plane crash" on a random Tuesday, 90% of the time, it's general aviation.
Private pilots don't have the same rigorous oversight as United or Delta. They don't have two pilots in the cockpit at all times. They don't have a team of mechanics checking every bolt every few hours.
If there was a crash today, it likely happened at a small municipal airport. These rarely make national news unless there's a celebrity involved or the wreckage hits a residential neighborhood.
The UPS Flight 2976 Investigation Update
Since this is the biggest story in the aviation world today, it's worth a closer look. The NTSB revealed that Boeing actually knew about the potential for this specific part to fail as far back as 2011.
Wait. 2011?
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Yeah. They sent out a "service letter" to airlines years ago. They said, "Hey, this part has failed four times on other planes, maybe keep an eye on it." But they didn't think it was a "safety-of-flight" issue.
Today’s report shows that the metal had "fatigue cracks" that weren't caught during regular maintenance. This is the kind of stuff that keeps safety experts up at night. It’s not just about today's weather or a pilot's mistake; it’s about a tiny piece of metal inside an engine mount that decided it had finally had enough after 30 years of service.
Staying Informed Without the Panic
If you’re looking for real-time updates, you don't have to wait for the evening news. There are a few ways to see exactly what's happening in the sky right now.
- FlightRadar24: This is basically the "God mode" of the sky. You can see every transponder-active plane in the world. If a plane is squawking 7700 (the code for an emergency), the icon turns red.
- Aviation Safety Network: This is the gold standard for data. They track every single incident, from a blown tire to a major hull loss, almost in real-time.
- LiveATC: If you really want to get into the weeds, you can listen to pilots talking to controllers. You'll hear "emergencies" that are actually quite routine—pilots sounding incredibly bored while describing an engine failure.
The Verdict for Today
There have been no major commercial plane crashes today.
The skies are remarkably quiet, save for the usual hustle and bustle of global commerce. We are currently in one of the safest eras of flight in human history. Even with the aging fleet of cargo planes like the MD-11 causing some concern, the "big" airlines are operating with a level of precision that was unthinkable thirty years ago.
Practical Steps for Concerned Travelers:
- Check FlightAware for your specific flight's history. If that specific tail number has been delayed a lot recently, it might be undergoing extra maintenance.
- Download a flight tracking app. Knowing where your plane is and seeing it moving smoothly on a map can do wonders for anxiety.
- Follow the NTSB on social media. They are surprisingly transparent about ongoing investigations and safety recommendations.
- Remember that "turbulence" is a weather event, not a mechanical failure. Planes are built to bend, not break.
The reality is that while the question have there been any plane crashes today comes from a place of caution, the lack of news is the best news possible. Every day that passes without a major event is a testament to the thousands of engineers, pilots, and controllers who are obsessed with making sure you land exactly where you're supposed to.