National Airlines Flight 2511 was a scheduled passenger flight from New York City to Miami. On January 6, 1960, the aircraft, a Convair 440, was en route when it suddenly exploded in mid-air over the waters near the Florida Keys. All 34 passengers and crew members on board lost their lives in the incident. Investigations revealed that the cause of the explosion was a bomb hidden in a piece of luggage. This shocking act of destruction raised concerns about security in air travel, as it was one of the first instances of a commercial airline being targeted in such a violent manner.

In the wake of the bombing, authorities launched an extensive investigation, which included examining the luggage of the victims and reaching out to those who had recently traveled on National Airlines. The investigation ultimately linked the bombing to the actions of a former employee of the airline, who had placed the bomb in the luggage of an unsuspecting passenger. This incident served as a warning sign for the airline industry, prompting discussions about enhanced security measures and baggage screening protocols. Over the following years, the aviation industry would see significant changes aimed at preventing similar catastrophes.

The event occurred during a turbulent time in American history, with increasing fear of terrorism beginning to seep into everyday life. While the Cold War context loomed large, the public's reaction to the bombing spurred calls for improved passenger safety and increased scrutiny of airline operations. Over the next few decades, measures like airport security screenings and baggage checks became standard practices.