World Airways Flight 802 was a scheduled passenger flight that tragically crashed while attempting to land in King Cove, Alaska. On that fateful day, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aircraft was navigating through difficult weather, characterized by heavy fog, rain, and low visibility. During its approach, the crew was unable to maintain proper altitude control, leading the aircraft to collide with Mount Dutton shortly before touchdown. The impact resulted in significant damage to the airplane and ultimately led to the loss of six out of the 56 passengers and crew aboard. The surviving passengers endured injuries but were able to escape the wreckage and receive emergency assistance from nearby authorities.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) swiftly began probing the cause of the crash, focusing on various factors, including the weather conditions and potential pilot error. The incident highlighted crucial gaps in safety protocols, particularly regarding operations in adverse weather. Emergency procedures for such conditions were re-evaluated, emphasizing the need for clearer communication and adherence to safety measures by flight crews. This crash marked a pivotal moment in discussions about improving regulations and best practices in aviation during a time when commercial air travel was expanding rapidly.

Subsequent to the investigation, the findings prompted changes in training for pilots operating in challenging weather environments, and spurred ongoing discourse about the significance of accurate weather forecasts and their impact on flight safety. The event remains a somber reminder of the risks and challenges faced in the realm of air travel, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather patterns, affirming the importance of rigorous safety standards in aviation.