Bar Harbor Airlines Flight 1808, a regular commuter flight operating between Albany, New York, and Bar Harbor, Maine, met a devastating fate when it crashed near Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport. The flight took off under challenging weather conditions, including low visibility and turbulent winds. Shortly after departure, the aircraft encountered severe difficulties, leading to its tragic descent. All eight people on board, including child actress Samantha Smith, were killed in the incident. Samantha Smith was renowned for her role in promoting peace and understanding during the Cold War, and she had captured the hearts of many with her appearance on television and her advocacy work.

The investigation into the crash revealed that the weather played a crucial role in the series of events leading up to the tragedy. The aircraft, a Twin Otter, struggled to maintain control as it ascended into the hazardous conditions. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a fireball in the sky before the plane impacted the ground. This event shocked not only the local community in Maine but resonated throughout the United States, raising awareness about aviation safety and the need for improved regulations regarding flying in inclement weather.

Samantha Smith's involvement in the incident added a layer of sorrow, as she had become a symbol of hope and peace for many during a tense period in history. With her young age and the impact she had made through her activism, her death was particularly poignant, leading to tributes and memorials in her honor. In the wake of the accident, discussions surrounding safety protocols in aviation gained momentum, alongside sentiments of loss for the lives taken too soon.