Another accidental aircraft shootdown is a matter of when, not if

THE CRASH of Jeju Air flight 2216 in South Korea captured the world’s imagination in the final days of 2024. The events leading to the loss of 179 souls—a bird strike followed by engine and perhaps landing-gear failure—seem terrifyingly random. “It could have been me” is a thought that doubtless passed through millions of minds. It will be months before the full story becomes clear, but such accidents usually end up being attributed to rare combinations of multiple factors. Investigations seek to unravel what happened; airlines and regulators then apply those lessons to make future flights safer. That approach has helped make flying the least dangerous mode of transport.