American Airlines Flight 965 Crashes in Colombia
December 20th, 1995
December 20th, 1995

How Long Ago?
29 years, 2 months, 23 days ago
Location
Cali, Colombia
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
People
- David M. McDonald
- Jorge G. Vargas
Links & References
Tags
American Airlines Flight 965 Crashes in Colombia
American Airlines Flight 965, a Boeing 757, was on approach to Cali, Colombia when it crashed into a mountain approximately 50 km north of the city, killing 159 of the 163 people on board. The flight originated from Miami, and the crash occurred due to navigational errors and miscommunication in deteriorating weather conditions. The cockpit crew attempted a missed approach due to limited visibility, leading to the tragic accident.
159 people died in the crash.
Flight was from Miami to Cali.
Poor weather contributed to the accident.
Regulatory changes followed the incident.
What Happened?
American Airlines Flight 965 was a scheduled passenger flight from Miami, Florida, to Cali, Colombia. The Boeing 757, carrying 155 passengers and 8 crew members, was en route when it faced adverse weather conditions as it neared its destination. The flight encountered difficulties during the approach phase, marked by navigational challenges amidst poor visibility. At approximately 50 km north of Cali, the crew made a decision to execute a return to the holding pattern, but due to miscommunication and lack of proper situational awareness, the aircraft deviated from its intended course. The flight ultimately crashed into the mountainous terrain, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.The investigation into the crash highlighted several factors contributing to the disaster. It was determined that the pilots misinterpreted their position and failed to receive accurate guidance from air traffic control. Additionally, the cockpit crew's decision-making under stress, compounded by the challenging weather, played a crucial role. The tragic event also underscored the importance of effective communication and procedural adherence in aviation safety. In the aftermath, aviation authorities around the world reviewed and improved existing protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of American Airlines Flight 965 is significant in aviation history due to the lessons learned regarding cockpit resource management and systemic communication failures within air traffic control systems. The event not only prompted changes within American Airlines but also initiated widespread reforms in the aviation regulatory framework, particularly in navigation and communication standards. Such changes have contributed to enhancing the overall safety of commercial aviation globally.
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