The most dangerous plane crashes in the history of America have resulted in significant loss of life and profound grief. These tragedies serve as a wake-up call to the aviation industry’s vulnerabilities and the impact they have on families and communities.
B-25 Mitchell Crash in 1945
A foggy morning saw the B-25 Mitchell lose its way in the skyline of Manhattan and crash into the Empire State Building on 28th July 1945. Due to low visibility, the pilot lost his bearings and crashed onto the building’s 79th story. The impact resulted in a fierce fire, tragically claiming the lives of 14 people. This accident highlighted the dangers of flying in urban areas during adverse weather conditions.
Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision in 1956
Two commercial airplanes collided over the Grand Canyon which resulted in a catastrophic accident on June 30th, 1956. The crash occurred in an uncontrolled airsphere where pilots relied solely on visual navigation. All 128 passengers and crew perished in this tragedy. This incident spurred significant changes in air traffic control systems and implementation of radar coverage for commercial flights.
American Airlines Flight 191 in 1979
On May 25th, 1979, just after taking off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Flight 191 had an engine failure. The left engine got detached, resulting in the plane to roll and crash. There were 273 individuals on the plane along with the ground who did not survive. This disaster led to rigorous maintenance checks and improved design standards for engine pylons in commercial aircraft.
Air Florida Flight 90 in 1982
Amidst a heavy snowstorm in Washington D.C., Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge shortly after takeoff. Ice accumulation on the wings and engines led to the disaster on 13th January, 1982. The crash which occurred because of severe negligence of plane maintenance led to 78 individuals dead, including 4 motorists on the bridge. This accident emphasized the critical importance of proper deicing procedures in winter conditions.
Pan Am Flight 759 in 1982
During a severe thunderstorm in New Orleans, Flight 759 encountered a microburst shorting after takeoff on July 9th, 1982. The sudden downdraft caused the plane to lose altitude rapidly which crashed into a residential area. It resulted in the loss of 153 lives along with 8 people who were on the ground. This tragedy prompted the development of wind shear detection systems at airports.
Delta Airlines Flight 191 in 1985
Flight 191 encountered a microburst while approaching Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on 2nd August 1985. The sudden change in wind caused the plane to lose altitude rapidly, crashing short of the runway. This crash led to the loss of life of 137 people. Due to this disaster, Doppler radar devices were implemented which are now widely used to identify potentially hazardous wind conditions.
Mexicana Flight 940 in 1986
Flight 940 suffered an onboard fire within a few minutes after takeoff from Mexico City. The blaze was caused because of a ruptured tire. The fire spread quickly which led to structural failure. All 167 passengers and crew abroad perished on 31st March 1986. This accident highlighted the need for improved fire detection and suppression systems in aircraft along with enhanced evacuation procedures.
Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987
Flight 255 crashed shortly after takeoff from Detroit Metro Airport due to improper wing flap configuration. The pilots failed to complete the pre-flight checklist correctly, leading to the death of 156 people and only 1 survivor. This disaster occurred on 16th August 1987 and led to stricter adherence to pre-flight procedures. It also resulted in the implementation of automated warming systems for improper takeoff configurations.
United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989
En route to Chicago on 19th July 1989, Flight 232 suffered engine failure. It caused complete hydraulic system loss. The pilots managed an incredible crash landing in Sioux City, saving 184 lives. However, 112 lives perished in the crash. The accident led to improved engine design and redundancy in hydraulic systems which enhanced overall aircraft safety.
TWA Flight 800 Crash in 1996
Within a few minutes after takeoff from New York, Flight 800 exploded mid-air on 17th July 1996. The plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing 230 passengers and crew onboard. The cause was determined to be an electrical spark igniting fuel vapors in the center wing tank. This tragedy led to significant changes in fuel tank design and safety measures in commercial aircraft.
EgyptAir Flight 990 in 1999
Flight 990 plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after leaving New York on 31st October 1999. All the 217 abroad lost their lives. The cause remains controversial, with theories ranging from mechanical failures to deliberate action by the relief first officer. This crash led to an increase in scrutiny of pilot mental health and cockpit security measures.
American Airlines Flight 587 in 2001
Flight 587’s vertical stabilizer separated due to excessive rudder inputs within a couple of minutes after takeoff from JFK Airport. The plane crashed into a residential area in Queens on 12th November 2001. It led to the loss of 260 lives on the plane and 5 on the ground. As a result of this mishap, rudder design was altered and pilot training on managing wake turbulence was enhanced.
United Airlines Flight 175 in 2001
Flight 175 was hijacked by terrorists and deliberately crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. All 65 people on board including passengers, crew, and terrorists perished. This horrific act, part of the 9/11 attacks, led to drastic changes in aviation security measures worldwide and reshaped global geopolitics.
Reno Air Races in 2011
During the annual Reno Air Races, a modified P-51 Mustang crashed into the spectators. The accident occurred on 16th September 2011 because of a mechanical failure, which led to the loss of control. 11 people died, including the pilot and 69 were injured. This tragedy resulted in enhanced safety measures for air shows and structured regulations for modified racing crafts.
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in 2013
As Flight 214 touched down at San Francisco International Airport, it crashed. The pilots misjudged the approach, causing the plane to hit the seawall short of the runway. 3 of the 307 people lost their lives while 192 were injured. This accident led to improved pilot training for manual landings and enhanced low-speed warning systems in aircraft.