Varig Flight 820 Crash Near Orly Airport
July 11th, 1973
July 11th, 1973
How Long Ago?
51 years, 8 months, 4 days ago
Location
Near Orly Airport, Paris, France
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Varig Flight 820 Crash Near Orly Airport
Varig Flight 820, a Boeing 707-320, crashed while approaching Orly Airport, Paris, killing 123 of the 134 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft encountered difficulty due to smoke in the cockpit and potential structural failure, leading to a rapid descent into a residential area. The subsequent investigations revealed critical issues relating to safety protocols and prompted significant changes in aviation regulations, especially concerning cabin smoking and in-flight safety measures.
Flight involved Varig Airlines Boeing 707-320
Crashed while approaching Orly Airport, Paris
123 out of 134 on board were killed
FAA banned smoking in lavatories post-incident
What Happened?
On a flight operated by Varig Airlines, a Boeing 707-320 was approaching Orly Airport in Paris when it encountered catastrophic conditions leading to a crash. The aircraft was carrying 134 individuals including passengers and crew when smoke began to fill the cockpit, complicating the crew's ability to control the plane. As pilots battled the smoke and malfunctioning systems, the aircraft tragically lost altitude and crashed into a residential area just a few kilometers from the airport. The aftermath resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 123 fatalities.
Following the investigation, it was found that the fire and smoke originated from a fault in the aircraft's systems, raising important questions regarding the safety measures and emergency protocols at the time. This crash highlighted vulnerabilities in aviation safety standards, particularly concerning in-cabin smoking and fire hazards.
The incident sparked a wave of regulatory changes in the aviation industry. In the wake of the disaster, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took decisive action, instituting a ban on smoking in airplane lavatories, which were identified as potential fire hazards. This ban, along with other safety protocol reforms, significantly transformed air travel regulations.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Varig Flight 820 is significant in the context of airline safety reforms. The devastating event served as a catalyst for rigorous investigations into aviation safety standards and led to legislative changes that enhanced passenger safety. The FAA's ban on smoking in airplane lavatories marked one of the initial steps toward creating a safer flying environment, reflecting increased awareness of fire risks during flights.
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