Comair Flight 3272 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight that tragically crashed during its approach to Detroit Metro Airport. The flight, operated by Comair as a Delta Connection service, departed from Cincinnati, Ohio, on a winter evening with adverse weather conditions reported in the area. Shortly after takeoff, the Bombardier Canadair CRJ-200 aircraft encountered severe icing conditions, which severely affected its performance and controllability. The crew attempted to manage the situation, but ultimately lost control of the aircraft as it descended into Raisinville Township, resulting in a catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of all 29 individuals onboard, including both crew members and passengers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted thorough investigations into the incident. It was determined that the ice accumulation on the wings was a significant factor in the loss of control. Pilots were not adequately trained for flight in such severe icing conditions, and the incident led to changes in pilot training and certification requirements.

In the aftermath, the aviation industry began reassessing its policies on icing conditions and weather evaluation for flying, leading to improved safety protocols and technology geared towards better situational awareness for pilots. This incident subsequently became a pivotal reference point in discussions surrounding aviation safety and regulatory reforms related to winter weather flying hazards.