a plane crash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plane crash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an incident involving an aircraft that has gone down, typically resulting in damage or casualties. Example: "The news reported that a plane crash occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to a major investigation by aviation authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A plane crash certainly qualifies.

The Economist

The first is a plane crash.

The Economist

Xu was killed in a plane crash.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He died in a plane crash.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dying in a plane crash.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a plane crash.

The New Yorker

1973 — Jim Croce dies in a plane crash.

The New York Times

"I just survived a plane crash.

The New York Times

Defective bolts could cause a plane crash.

The New York Times

12. Lombard died in a plane crash.

The Guardian - Opinion

Memorial for a plane crash in 1960.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on "a plane crash", verify the accuracy of your information with official sources like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or sensational language when describing "a plane crash". Focus on factual reporting and avoid speculation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plane crash" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it describes an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plane crash" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an aviation accident. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in news, encyclopedias, and other factual reporting contexts. While primarily neutral in tone, it's essential to avoid sensationalism when using this phrase. Related phrases like "an aircraft accident" or "an aviation disaster" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. When writing about "a plane crash", accuracy and objectivity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an aircraft accident

Replaces "plane" with the more general term "aircraft".

an air disaster

Shortened form of "aviation disaster".

an aviation disaster

Substitutes "crash" with "disaster", emphasizing the severity.

a fatal airplane accident

Adds "fatal" to highlight the deadly consequences.

a downed aircraft

Focuses on the state of the plane after the crash.

a commercial airline accident

Specifies that the plane crash involved a commercial airline.

a transport plane accident

Specifies that the plane crash involved a transport plane.

a mid-air collision

Specifies a type of plane crash involving a collision in the air.

an airplane collision

Emphasizes the collision aspect of the plane crash.

a jet crash

Specifies that the crash involved a jet plane.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a plane crash"?

You can use alternatives like "an aircraft accident", "an aviation disaster", or "a mid-air collision" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a plane crash" in formal writing?

Yes, "a plane crash" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when reporting news or documenting events. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids sensationalism.

How does "a plane crash" differ from "an aircraft incident"?

"A plane crash" specifically refers to an event where an aircraft crashes, resulting in damage or casualties. "An aircraft incident" is a broader term that includes any occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft that affects or could affect safety, not necessarily a crash.

What are some common causes that lead to "a plane crash"?

Common causes of "a plane crash" include pilot error, mechanical failure, weather conditions, and air traffic control issues. Investigations typically explore these factors to determine the primary cause.