American Airlines Flight 191 Crash at O'Hare
May 25th, 1979
May 25th, 1979

How Long Ago?
45 years, 9 months, 18 days ago
Location
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
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American Airlines Flight 191 Crash at O'Hare
American Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, crashed shortly after takeoff from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The aircraft, carrying 258 passengers and 13 crew members, lost control due to a failure in the left engine, resulting in a catastrophic crash that claimed all lives on board as well as two individuals on the ground. The disaster remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the United States.
Plane lost left engine during takeoff.
All 271 people on board were killed.
Crash occurred near O'Hare International Airport.
Led to major changes in aviation regulations.
What Happened?
American Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, was involved in a devastating accident shortly after takeoff from O'Hare International Airport, Chicago. On May 25, 1979, the aircraft had just started its ascent when it experienced a catastrophic failure of its left engine, which had been torn off during takeoff. The flight was operating under normal conditions when it hit turbulence shortly after liftoff, causing the plane to roll uncontrollably before crashing into a field near an expressway. The impact resulted in the immediate loss of all 271 people on board, including 258 passengers and 13 crew members, and two fatal injuries on the ground.The crash raised serious questions about aircraft safety and operational procedures, leading to significant changes in airline regulations. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified pilot error and maintenance oversights as contributing factors. It was one of the deadliest air disasters in American history, shaping future training and maintenance protocols to enhance air safety. The aftermath saw heightened scrutiny over the design and operational capabilities of the DC-10, resulting in widespread perception changes about commercial aviation safety standards.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of American Airlines Flight 191 had sweeping effects on aviation safety, prompting immediate regulatory changes and longer-term impacts on aircraft design standards. The incident led to improved maintenance oversight and emphasized the importance of rigorous pilot training programs, influencing how airlines operated globally. The lessons learned from this tragedy contributed to advancements in aviation safety protocols that are still in effect today.
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