Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 831 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Montreal to Los Angeles that tragically ended in a catastrophic crash minutes after takeoff on a foggy Friday evening. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-8-53, had just become airborne when it began experiencing significant control problems. Eyewitness accounts noted the plane rolling and descending at an alarming rate. Within moments, it collided with a field in the vicinity of the airport, bursting into flames upon impact. Rescue operations commenced immediately, but it became evident there were no survivors among the 118 occupants, including 111 passengers, and 7 crew members.

The investigation, conducted primarily by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), revealed a series of critical issues leading to the incident. The plane's vertical stabilizer had suffered damage during a procedural maneuver before departure, and failure to assess these problems correctly contributed to the disaster. The cockpit crew's decision-making process under pressure, as well as the adequacy of aircraft maintenance, were scrutinized thoroughly. This accident prompted updates to safety regulations and piloting practices in commercial aviation. The widespread media coverage galvanized public interest in air travel safety, marking a notable shift in aviation oversight protocols.

In the aftermath of the crash, memorials were held for the victims, and families affected by the tragedy pursued accountability and improved safety measures. This incident initiated a reevaluation of training for pilots and contributed to the implementation of enhanced maintenance checks across various airlines, ensuring that such a disaster would provoke critical attention on flight safety in the years to follow.