Historical Events tagged with "air traffic"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Runway Collision at LAX Involving Two Flights

February 1st, 1991 34 years ago

A catastrophic collision occurred on the runway at Los Angeles International Airport between USAir Flight 1493, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, and SkyWest Flight 5569, a Bombardier CRJ. The accident led to a fireball engulfing both aircraft, resulting in the loss of 34 lives and injuring 30 others. Emergency responders arrived rapidly, but the fire’s intensity hindered immediate evacuation efforts. This incident raised serious concerns about air traffic control procedures at one of the busiest airports in the world.

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Politics & Government

Reagan Dismisses Striking Air-Traffic Controllers

August 5th, 1981 43 years ago

In a decisive action, President Ronald Reagan fired 11,359 air traffic controllers who participated in a strike, defying his order to return to work. This strike began as PATCO, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, demanded better working conditions, higher pay, and reduced hours. After issuing an ultimatum to return to their posts, the workers’ refusal led to their termination, significantly impacting air travel across the United States and the union's future role in labor negotiations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mid-air Collision of Canadair CL-44 and Sukhoi Su-15

July 18th, 1981 43 years ago

A Canadair CL-44 cargo aircraft collided with a Sukhoi Su-15 fighter jet near Yerevan, Armenia, resulting in four fatalities. The accident occurred as both aircraft were operating in the same airspace, with the Canadair on a cargo flight. Investigations revealed that a lack of communication and possible radar issues contributed to the tragic incident. This mid-air collision highlighted significant air traffic control challenges in the region during that period.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of CV-580 and DHC-6 Over Lake Winnebago

June 29th, 1972 52 years ago

A Convair CV-580 and a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter collided in mid-air over Lake Winnebago near Appleton, Wisconsin, resulting in the tragic death of 13 individuals. The accident happened due to a combination of poor visibility and aircraft malfunction, leading to a significant disaster in regional aviation history. Emergency services responded promptly, although all onboard were unfortunately lost, marking a somber moment for the local community and the aviation industry.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of United Air Lines Flight 736 and Fighter Jet

April 21st, 1958 66 years ago

United Air Lines Flight 736 collided with a United States Air Force fighter jet near Arden, Nevada, resulting in aircraft damage and martial response. The flight, carrying 50 passengers, was en route from Los Angeles to New York when it encountered the military jet during a routine training exercise. The incident raised concerns about air safety and military protocols in civilian airspace.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of American Airlines Flight and Bomber

October 23rd, 1942 82 years ago

American Airlines Flight 28 collided with a U.S. Army Air Force bomber near Palm Springs, California, killing all 12 passengers and crew aboard. The aircraft was en route from Los Angeles to New York City and tragically intersected the bomber's flight path during wartime training operations. This accident highlights the dangers of military and civilian aviation interacting during high-demand flight operations, especially in a period of escalating conflict.

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Accidents & Tragedies

TWA Flight 3 Crash and Carole Lombard's Death

January 16th, 1942 83 years ago

TWA Flight 3 crashed while approaching Las Vegas, Nevada, killing all 22 people on board, including renowned film star Carole Lombard. The aircraft, a Lockheed L-10 Electra, was returning to Los Angeles from a war bond rally in Indianapolis. Bad weather, particularly reduced visibility due to fog, contributed to the accident. The tragic loss shocked Hollywood and the broader public, as Lombard was not only a beloved actress but also the wife of actor Clark Gable.

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