On May 22, 1962, Continental Airlines Flight 11 was en route from Los Angeles to Chicago when it was tragically destroyed mid-air by a series of bombs that detonated within the aircraft. The flight, carrying 39 passengers and six crew members, was making its ascent when the explosions occurred over Unionville, Missouri, leading to a catastrophic descent and crash. The investigation revealed that a former airline employee, Thomas D. Dwyer, had planted the explosive devices as part of a personal vendetta against the company due to his previous dismissal. Investigative authorities uncovered that Dwyer's intent was to target the airline as revenge, exemplifying the emotional and psychological factors that could lead individuals to commit such an act of violence.

As first responders rushed to the scene, it became evident that the explosion had obliterated the aircraft, leaving little evidence of the tragedy except for a debris field scattered over a wide area. The local community of Unionville was shocked by the event, as the area had not previously been associated with air disasters. Investigators meticulously pieced together the sequence of events, unveiling the circumstances that allowed an individual with a grudge against the airline to introduce explosives into a passenger flight. This incident prompted heightened discussions around airport and airline security standards.

Following this disaster, the airline industry faced increased scrutiny and pressure to implement stronger security measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluated existing protocols, ultimately leading to new regulations concerning baggage screening and passenger security checks. This tragedy marked a pivotal point, not only in terms of airline safety but also in the industry's recognition of potential threats posed by disgruntled employees or individuals with grievances against aviation entities.