Air Florida Flight 90 Crash into Potomac River
January 13th, 1982
January 13th, 1982

How Long Ago?
43 years, 2 months, 2 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Air Florida Flight 90 Crash into Potomac River
Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737, crashed into the 14th Street Bridge after takeoff from Washington National Airport. The crisis unfolded as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude in icy conditions, leading to the tragic collision that ultimately impacted vehicles on the bridge before plunging into the Potomac River. Seventy-eight lives were lost, including four motorists, marking a devastating moment in aviation history.
Flight 90 took off in icy weather conditions.
Aircraft had significant ice on its wings.
74 passengers and crew members were on board.
The accident prompted changes in aviation safety regulations.
What Happened?
Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-222, took off from Washington National Airport in the midst of snowy and icy weather conditions. The aircraft struggled to ascend properly, suffering from significant ice accumulation on the wings which affected lift. Shortly after takeoff, the plane was unable to maintain altitude and crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, D.C. The collision resulted not only in the destruction of the aircraft but also led to a tragic loss of life as it struck several vehicles on the bridge before plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. In total, 78 individuals lost their lives, including 74 passengers and crew aboard the flight and four motorists who were on the bridge at the time of the accident. Emergency responders were faced with a daunting task as they attempted to rescue survivors and recover victims from the frigid waters of the river. The incident drew immediate attention from media and federal agencies, escalating discussions surrounding aviation safety and regulations, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed the critical importance of pilot training, aircraft de-icing procedures, and adherence to safety protocols during winter operations. Ultimately, this tragic accident served as a catalyst for reform in aviation safety regulations, leading to improved standards and protocols aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Air Florida Flight 90 highlighted significant deficiencies in winter flight safety and emergency response protocols. As a result, the aviation industry underwent pivotal changes, including enhanced regulations for de-icing procedures and pilot training, particularly in adverse weather. The event remains a critical point of reference in aviation safety discussions.
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