Historical Events tagged with "airliner"

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

Tu-204 Airliner Crashes at Vnukovo Airport

December 29th, 2012 12 years ago

A Tupolev Tu-204 airliner crashed into a ditch after overshooting the runway at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia, resulting in five fatalities and critically injuring three others. The incident occurred during landing, with the aircraft skidding off the runway and ending up between the airport's fence and the M3 highway. Rescue operations were promptly initiated in response to the crash.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

USS Vincennes Shoots Down Iran Air Flight 655

July 3rd, 1988 36 years ago

The USS Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 passengers and crew on board. The incident occurred during heightened tensions following the Iran-Iraq War, with the USS Vincennes engaged in operations in the region. The warship misidentified the civilian airliner as an attacking military aircraft, leading to a tragic military mistake that had significant international ramifications.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Tu-144 Becomes First Supersonic Transport

May 26th, 1970 54 years ago

The Tupolev Tu-144 made its inaugural flight, establishing itself as the first commercial transport to exceed Mach 2. The aircraft, developed by the Soviet Union, marked a significant achievement in aviation technology. Its test flight demonstrated its capabilities at speeds exceeding 2,000 kilometers per hour, paving the way for future supersonic travel. Designed for both speed and efficiency, the Tu-144 was part of an ambitious initiative to revolutionize air travel, making the world more accessible.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Boeing 737-100 Series Completes First Flight

April 9th, 1967 57 years ago

The Boeing 737-100 series took to the skies for its maiden flight, marking a significant advancement in commercial aviation. This successful flight was piloted by Boeing Chief Test Pilot Sir Geoffrey de Havilland and took place at Renton Municipal Airport in Renton, Washington. The aircraft, designed to be a short- to medium-range airliner, was developed to meet the demand for a compact, efficient jet to service the growing airline market. The 737-100's flight showcased not only Boeing's engineering capabilities but also its commitment to innovation in air travel.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

BAC One-Eleven Prototype Airliner Crash

October 22nd, 1963 61 years ago

A prototype of the BAC One-Eleven airliner crashed during a test flight in the UK, claiming the lives of all eight individuals on board. This tragic incident occurred as the aircraft was undergoing evaluation, showcasing the challenges faced in early jet aviation. The flight took off from the aerodrome in Farnborough, Hampshire, where it was intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the new aircraft design. However, shortly after its departure, it encountered difficulties, leading to a catastrophic failure.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

First Flight of de Havilland Comet Airliner

July 27th, 1949 75 years ago

The de Havilland Comet, the world's first jet-powered airliner, completed its initial flight, taking off from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. This significant milestone for commercial aviation showcased the advancements in jet propulsion technology. The Comet, designed by de Havilland, was equipped with four Ghost turbojet engines, enabling it to fly faster and higher than previous aircraft. The test flight demonstrated not only the aircraft's capabilities but also the future of air travel, paving the way for the jet age.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

DC-3 Airliner NC16002 Disappears Near Miami

December 28th, 1948 76 years ago

The DC-3 airliner NC16002 disappeared from radar 80 kilometres south of Miami while en route to New York. The aircraft, owned by Eastern Air Lines, had 32 passengers and crew on board. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of the plane was ever found. This incident raised significant concerns about aviation safety standards and communication protocols.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Japanese Warplane Shoots Down Kweilin Airliner

August 24th, 1938 86 years ago

A Japanese warplane shot down the Kweilin, a Chinese civilian airliner, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals aboard. This incident marked a significant moment in aviation history as it was the first recorded case of a civilian airliner being targeted and attacked in flight by military forces. The attack took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War, emphasizing the intense conflict between Japan and China.

Continue Reading