Braniff Flight 352 crashes near Dawson, Texas
May 3rd, 1968
May 3rd, 1968
How Long Ago?
56 years, 11 months, 26 days ago
Location
Dawson, Texas, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
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Braniff Flight 352 crashes near Dawson, Texas
Braniff International Airways Flight 352, a scheduled flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Chicago Midway Airport, tragically crashed during approach near Dawson, Texas. The aircraft, a Lockheed L-188 Electra, encountered severe weather, causing the loss of control and resulting in the deaths of all 85 individuals on board. The crash occurred less than a mile from the runway as the plane attempted to land, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Texas history.
85 lives lost in the crash.
Aircraft: Lockheed L-188 Electra.
Severe weather led to loss of control.
Led to safety improvements in aviation.
What Happened?
Braniff International Airways Flight 352 was a scheduled flight traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Chicago Midway Airport. On May 3, 1968, the Lockheed L-188 Electra encountered severe weather conditions while making its final approach to Dallas. The aircraft was about a mile from the airport when it entered a significant weather system characterized by thunderstorms, heavy rain, and turbulence. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane seemed to struggle against the elements before it abruptly lost altitude, culminating in a crash in a field near the small community of Dawson, Texas.
All 85 passengers and crew members on board perished, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history at that time. The investigation following the incident revealed that the flight crew's response to the severe weather was a contributing factor to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough inquiry into the events leading up to the disaster and examined the role that weather played. The findings highlighted issues regarding pilot training and aircraft performance in adverse conditions.
In the aftermath of Flight 352's crash, regulatory changes were implemented within the aviation industry, particularly regarding the management of weather-related risks and enhanced training for pilots. These reforms aimed to improve safety standards and protocols in the airline industry, reflecting the ongoing evolution of aviation regulations to prioritize the safety of passengers and crews.
Why Does it Matter?
The tragic accident of Braniff Flight 352 stands as a pivotal moment in aviation safety history. Its investigation and the subsequent recommendations led to more stringent weather assessment protocols and enhanced pilot training programs. This event underscored the importance of addressing weather-related hazards and created momentum for regulatory changes that improved aviation safety, ultimately influencing future air travel practices.
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