Spantax Flight 995, a scheduled service operated by the Spanish airline Spantax, was a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 carrying 394 passengers and crew on a flight from Málaga to the Canary Islands. On the fateful day of the accident, the aircraft was lined up for takeoff at Málaga Airport. As the flight began its takeoff roll, an engine failure occurred, prompting the flight crew to initiate a rejected takeoff. However, the aircraft could not be halted in time and skidded off the runway. The impact with the ground severe enough ignited a fire that engulfed the aircraft. Immediate emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene to assist the survivors and combat the blaze. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, 50 individuals perished, making this incident one of the more sobering events in aviation history.

The aftermath saw investigations led by aviation authorities highlighting a range of safety issues and mechanical failures related to the aircraft systems. The incident raised concerns about emergency protocols and the state of aircraft maintenance among operators. Additionally, this crash drew attention to the overall safety records of aircraft in operation during that period, and it led to increased scrutiny of flight operations across Europe. The findings from the investigation influenced regulatory changes aimed at improving safety standards and response procedures.