From mishaps to tragedies, the flight industry has already had a rough 2024

Tech Insider

Here are eight flight incidents passengers faced in early 2024, from the tragic crash in Japan to plane engines catching on fire.

The Boeing 787 that suddenly dropped mid-flight and injured at least 50 people is a stark reminder: Always wear your seatbelt.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
A man pulling his seatbelt tight on an airplane.
The Latam plane that plunged midair is a reminder to always wear your seatbelt when flying.

ATHVisions/Getty Images

A passenger jet smashed into runway lights as it took off, flew for 60 minutes, then landed with a gaping hole in its fuselage

Tech Insider : Travel
AirSerbia Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
An AirSerbia Airbus A330-200 aircraft. On Sunday, an AirSerbia Embraer E195 collided with runway lights during take-off, forcing it to later make an emergency landing.

NurPhoto/Getty Images

The pilot of the Japan Airlines plane didn't know it was on fire until alerted by cabin crew: report

Tech Insider
A Japan Airlines plane on fire on a runway of Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2, 2024
A Japan Airlines plane on fire on a runway of Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2, 2024.

STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images

The Japan Airlines evacuation succeeded even though the intercom broke and 5 of 8 emergency exits were unusable

Tech Insider
Plane
A fire engine is seen beside a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger plane on the tarmac at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda on January 2, 2024.

RICHARD A. BROOKS

Subscribe to airplane-accident