Historical Events tagged with "azores"

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.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Air Transat Flight 236's Emergency Landing

August 24th, 2001 23 years ago

Air Transat Flight 236, en route from Toronto to Lisbon, experienced a critical incident over the Atlantic Ocean when it lost all engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel leak. The pilots, Captain Robert Piché and First Officer Dirk De Jager, successfully glided the aircraft for over 70 miles before executing a remarkable emergency landing at Lajes Field in the Azores, saving all 306 passengers and crew aboard.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

SATA Air Açores Flight 530M Fatal Crash

December 11th, 1999 25 years ago

SATA Air Açores Flight 530M crashed into Pico da Esperança on São Jorge Island, resulting in the deaths of all 35 people on board. The twin-engine ATR 42 was en route from Terceira Island to São Jorge Island when it encountered adverse weather conditions, causing the tragic accident. Rescue operations commenced shortly after the crash but were hampered by difficult terrain and conditions, leading to significant challenges in recovery efforts.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Independent Air Flight 1851 crashes in Azores

February 8th, 1989 36 years ago

Independent Air Flight 1851, a commercial flight from the United States to the Azores, struck Pico Alto mountain while on approach to Santa Maria Airport, resulting in the loss of all 144 passengers and crew on board. The incident occurred in clear weather conditions, raising questions about navigation and communication protocols. Investigations revealed that the aircraft had deviated from its planned approach path, leading to the catastrophic impact.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Soviet Antonov An-22 Crash in Atlantic Ocean

July 18th, 1970 54 years ago

An Antonov An-22, operated by the Soviet Air Forces, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of all 23 individuals onboard. The aircraft was on a flight that encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff, leading to its unfortunate descent into the ocean. The incident occurred near the Azores, a group of islands in Portugal, as the military transport aircraft was likely engaged in standard operations.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

USS Scorpion Sinks in the Atlantic Ocean

May 22nd, 1968 56 years ago

The nuclear-powered submarine USS Scorpion sank 400 miles southwest of the Azores on May 22, 1968, with 99 crew members aboard. The vessel, part of the United States Navy, was on its return to Norfolk, Virginia, after undergoing repairs in the Mediterranean. The exact cause of the sinking is still debated, with potential factors including mechanical failure or an accident during operations. Despite the extensive search and rescue efforts, the wreckage was discovered later that year at a depth of over 10,000 feet in the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Pamir Shipwreck During Hurricane Carrie

September 21st, 1957 67 years ago

The four-masted barque Pamir sank off the Azores amid Hurricane Carrie, claiming the lives of 80 crew members. The vessel had been carrying a cargo of grain and was caught in the storm after leaving the U.S. The crew was largely made up of cadets training as merchant mariners, illustrating the potential dangers of maritime education in severe weather. The wreck occurred several hundred miles from the nearest land, presenting significant challenges for rescue efforts.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Air France Constellation Crash in the Azores

October 28th, 1949 75 years ago

An Air France Lockheed Constellation suffered a catastrophic failure, crashing into the ocean near the Azores. All 48 individuals on board perished in the incident. The flight, which was en route from Paris to New York City, encountered severe weather conditions. The Portuguese authorities conducted an extensive search and rescue operation, but no survivors were found, prompting investigations into the causes of the crash.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Expedition to the Azores By Essex and Raleigh

August 17th, 1597 427 years ago

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, and Sir Walter Raleigh embarked on a significant expedition aimed at the Azores. This venture aimed to disrupt Spanish shipping routes and explore potential strategic advantages in the region. The mission departed from England with the hope of capturing valuable prizes and asserting English presence in the Atlantic, a crucial area during the conflicts between England and Spain. The expedition brought together two prominent figures of the time, whose ambitions would later lead to notable rivalries and political tensions.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

English Attack on Portuguese Carrack Cinco Chagas

June 23rd, 1594 430 years ago

The Portuguese carrack Cinco Chagas was attacked by English ships while transporting slaves and treasures from Africa to Europe. This conflict took place near the Azores, leading to significant loss of life. Of the over 700 individuals aboard the ship, only 13 survived the assault, marking a devastating event for those involved.

Continue Reading