Historical Events tagged with "airlines"

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

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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Transportation & Infrastructure

Founding of Olympic Airways by Onassis

April 6th, 1957 67 years ago

Aristotle Onassis established Olympic Airways after acquiring TAE - Greek National Airlines, marking the beginning of a new era in Greek aviation. This strategic move transformed the airline industry in Greece, positioning Olympic Airways as the country's flag carrier. The airline's operations were set to elevate standards in air travel, connecting Greece more effectively to international destinations and enhancing tourism.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Northeast Airlines Flight 823 crashes on Rikers Island

February 1st, 1957 68 years ago

Northeast Airlines Flight 823 crashed on Rikers Island, resulting in 20 fatalities and 78 injuries among passengers and crew. The aircraft was a Douglas DC-6 en route to Boston from New York when it encountered severe weather conditions. The crash occurred during an approach to LaGuardia Airport. Response crews rushed to the scene on the island, where the wreckage was largely contained, preventing wider damage.

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Accidents & Tragedies

American Airlines Flight 723 crash in Colonie

September 16th, 1953 71 years ago

American Airlines Flight 723 crashed just outside Albany, New York, resulting in the loss of 28 lives. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-6, encountered severe weather conditions, including low visibility due to fog and rain, while attempting to land at Albany International Airport. Emergency response teams were mobilized quickly, but the tragic nature of the incident led to widespread investigations into aviation safety. The crash highlighted the risks of flying in adverse weather conditions during the 1950s.

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Accidents & Tragedies

De Havilland Comet Crash in Karachi

March 3rd, 1953 72 years ago

A De Havilland Comet operated by Canadian Pacific Air Lines crashed in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of eleven people on board. The aircraft was on a scheduled flight when it encountered difficulties shortly before landing. Eyewitness accounts at the Karachi airport indicated that the plane appeared to have been attempting to land when it lost altitude suddenly. Despite efforts to respond, all passengers and crew members aboard the flight perished.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Japan Airlines Flight 301 Crashes on Izu Ōshima

April 9th, 1952 72 years ago

Japan Airlines Flight 301, a Douglas DC-6B, crashed into Mount Mihara on Izu Ōshima Island during its approach to Tokyo. The aircraft, which was making a routine flight from Osaka, encountered severe weather conditions including thick fog and strong winds, leading to a loss of altitude and control. Unfortunately, out of the 59 occupants on board, 37 lost their lives in this tragic incident, marking one of Japan's deadliest aviation disasters of the time.

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Accidents & Tragedies

United Air Lines Flight 615 crash near Decoto

August 24th, 1951 73 years ago

United Air Lines Flight 615, a Douglas DC-6, crashed near Decoto, California, resulting in the deaths of all 50 individuals on board. The aircraft was en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it encountered severe weather and lost altitude rapidly, leading to the tragic accident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the airplane in distress before it crashed just short of the Hayward Airport, causing extensive debris field and igniting a fire upon impact.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Regular Transatlantic Flights Launch

May 16th, 1951 73 years ago

The inaugural scheduled transatlantic flights commenced between Idlewild Airport in New York City and Heathrow Airport in London. Operated by El Al Israel Airlines, this service marked a significant milestone in international air travel. The flights were a response to growing demand for quicker transatlantic travel and aimed to enhance connectivity between North America and Europe. Each flight catered to a diverse group of travelers, expanding the possibilities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two continents.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 307 Crash

March 7th, 1951 74 years ago

Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 307 crashed in Lynnhurst, Minneapolis, killing all 15 on board. Operating a Douglas DC-4, the flight was en route from Chicago to Minneapolis when it encountered heavy fog and poor visibility. The aircraft attempted to land at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport but overshot the runway, leading to a crash in a residential area of Lynnhurst. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling to gain altitude as it approached the ground.

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