ValuJet Airlines Flight 592 was a scheduled flight operating between Miami International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Shortly after taking off from Miami on May 11, 1996, the flight encountered a rapidly developing emergency as fires ignited in its cargo hold. The source of the fire was identified as improperly stowed chemical oxygen generators, which are used in case of cabin depressurization emergencies. When these oxygen generators began to leak and ignite due to heat, they soon overwhelmed the aircraft's firefighting capabilities.

The crew recognized the issue as they lost control of the aircraft and attempted to return to Miami. However, the fire rapidly spread, leading to smoke in the cockpit and severe operational issues. Despite their best efforts, the pilots could not regain control, and the Douglas DC-9 ultimately crashed into the Florida Everglades. As a consequence, all 110 persons onboard perished, raising significant concerns about the safety regulations surrounding the transportation of hazardous materials in passenger aircraft.

In the aftermath, investigations revealed several deficiencies in ValuJet's safety protocols and the broader aviation regulatory framework. This crash not only prompted the grounding of ValuJet Airlines for an extended period but also led to stricter regulations around the transport of hazardous materials on commercial flights, aiming to enhance passenger safety across the aviation industry.