As an aviation reporter, encountering a story like this is something you dread. Last week marked the first deadly crash of a U.S. airliner in almost 16 years, when an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet near the Potomac River close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The accident claimed nearly 70 lives, with no survivors. Each loss is a heartbreaking tragedy.

In light of such a calamity, it’s crucial to approach a few key points.

Avoiding Blame: Trusting the Investigation

First and foremost, we should refrain from casting blame too soon.

An extensive investigation is currently taking place, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is regarded as the leading investigative authority in aviation. The facts surrounding last week’s incident will ultimately be revealed. Meanwhile, conjecture on social media or from so-called experts serves no purpose and cannot bring back those we have lost.

Secondly, we should find reassurance in the investigation process.

In the United States, such tragic events are infrequent. The fact that I’m not frequently reporting on disasters like last Wednesday’s is a testament to the exceptional safety of flying in this country. This level of safety hasn’t always been the case, but it has evolved out of a commitment across the airline industry to ensure that no one loses their life in a crash without it leading to valuable lessons learned.

Airlines, investigators, aircraft manufacturers, flight crews, and all others associated with the aviation industry view each tragic loss as an opportunity to learn. While this cannot change the outcome of a crash, it allows improvements to be made for future flights.

Every Incident Deserves an Investigation

William J. McGee, a senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, articulated this well during my reporting on last Wednesday’s events. He pointed out that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was established in response to a midair collision over the Grand Canyon in 1956, a tragedy that led to meaningful safety enhancements in aviation.

“In 1958, President Eisenhower signed into law the FAA’s creation due to this incident,” he explained.

This crash involved a United Airlines DC-7 and a Trans World Airlines Lockheed Super Constellation colliding in uncontrolled airspace, where crews were expected to be vigilant. Unfortunately, neither aircraft managed to see the other in time, resulting in over 100 fatalities—the first major disaster in commercial aviation with such high casualties.

Since then, the industry has adhered to a consistent pattern: every accident is followed by a thorough investigation. Industry professionals contribute their knowledge, and investigators put forth recommendations that stakeholders typically follow and implement.

Patience in Reactions

One of my first professional reports on an aviation incident was regarding Southwest Airlines Flight 1380.

On April 17, 2018, a Southwest Boeing 737 experienced an engine failure mid-flight, resulting in a piece of the engine breaking loose and smashing a window, which caused rapid cabin decompression. Tragically, one passenger lost their life.

The NTSB recommended subsequent inspections and redesigns of the engine cowling to prevent a recurrence of such failures.

Then came the unprecedented scrutiny of Boeing following two disastrous 737 Max crashes that killed hundreds. More recently, another incident involved a 737 Max losing part of its fuselage during flight. While there were no fatalities, it highlighted the industry’s response to safety issues.

Every issue, including the 737 incidents and all others in commercial aviation, goes through the same rigorous investigative process that leads to official safety recommendations.

Although Boeing has faced criticism for its delayed responses, this measured pace is essential for effective progress. True safety improvements require considered, well-planned strategies rather than hasty reactions.

In response to last Wednesday’s tragedy, the FAA has temporarily closed two helicopter routes near DCA that may be linked to the incident. This is a reasonable initial step, but it will ultimately depend on what the investigation recommends for long-term solutions.

At this point, there is little more to say. The nation grieves for the victims, and we all await updates on how future aviation practices will enhance safety.

In the meantime, let’s find solace in the fact that the investigation will take its course and, ultimately, make flying safer than ever before.

(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column. He is based in New York