Historical Events tagged with "safety"

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

Pan Am Flight 759 Crashes in Louisiana

July 9th, 1982 42 years ago

Pan Am Flight 759 crashed shortly after takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, lost altitude and struck homes in Kenner, Louisiana, resulting in the deaths of all 145 passengers and crew onboard, alongside eight people on the ground. The plane was reportedly caught in a microburst, causing severe turbulence that led to the loss of control. First responders were dispatched promptly to the scene, but the crash left an enduring mark on aviation safety regulations.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight 411 Ilyushin Il-62 Crash

July 6th, 1982 42 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 411, operating an Ilyushin Il-62, experienced a critical failure while attempting to return to Sheremetyevo International Airport. The aircraft crashed near Mendeleyevo in Moscow Oblast, resulting in the deaths of all 90 passengers and crew aboard. The flight was on a routine journey, and the sudden turn of events raised significant questions about safety protocols and aircraft reliability during that era.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Volcanic Ash Clouds Cause Engine Failure

June 24th, 1982 42 years ago

British Airways Flight 009 encountered severe turbulence while flying through volcanic ash from Mount Galunggung. All four engines failed, leading pilots to perform an emergency descent. Fortunately, they managed to glide and safely land on a nearby airport in Jakarta. The aircraft experienced a total loss of power but no injuries were reported among the 246 passengers and crew aboard, showcasing the pilots' exceptional skill under pressure.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

VASP Flight 168 crashes in Brazil

June 8th, 1982 42 years ago

VASP Flight 168, a passenger flight, crashed in Pacatuba, Ceará, Brazil, during its approach to Fortaleza. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, encountered severe weather conditions compounded by navigational issues, leading to the tragedy. All 128 people on board, including crew and passengers, perished. The crash is remembered for its significant loss of life and raised awareness about flight safety in Brazil. It highlighted the importance of improved weather reporting and navigation protocols to prevent similar occurrences.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Attempted Attack on Pope John Paul II in Fátima

May 12th, 1982 42 years ago

During a religious procession at the Shrine of Fátima, an assailant named Juan María Fernández y Krohn attempted to attack Pope John Paul II with a bayonet. Security personnel swiftly intervened, overpowering the attacker before he could carry out his intent. This incident occurred amidst the pope's visit to Portugal, a country known for its deep Catholic roots, emphasizing the pope's role as a central figure in the Catholic faith.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Ocean Ranger Drilling Rig Capsizes in Storm

February 15th, 1982 43 years ago

The Ocean Ranger, a semi-submersible drilling rig, sank during a fierce storm off the coast of Newfoundland. The storm's high waves and strong winds overwhelmed the rig, leading to its tragic capsizing. This incident resulted in the loss of 84 workers, making it one of the deadliest offshore oil rig disasters in history, deeply impacting the oil industry and regulations surrounding offshore drilling safety.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

JAL Flight 350 Crash Near Haneda Airport

February 9th, 1982 43 years ago

Japan Air Lines Flight 350, a domestic flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka, crashed near Haneda Airport during an attempted pilot mass murder-suicide, killing 24 of the 174 people on board. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when the captain intentionally caused the aircraft to dive and collide with the ground. Eyewitness accounts described how the plane plummeted before its tragic end, marking a significant air disaster in Japanese aviation history.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

World Airways Flight 30 Crashes into Boston Harbor

January 23rd, 1982 43 years ago

World Airways Flight 30 overshot the runway at Logan International Airport while attempting to land, ending up in Boston Harbor. The Grumman Gulfstream II aircraft was carrying several passengers when it failed to stop in time due to a reported mechanical failure. Two people were missing and presumed dead after the crash, which raised significant concerns regarding aircraft safety and runway conditions at the airport.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroméxico Flight 110 crashes near Zihuatanejo

November 8th, 1981 43 years ago

Aeroméxico Flight 110, a Douglas DC-9, crashed near Zihuatanejo, Mexico, killing all 18 people onboard. The flight was en route from Mexico City to Zihuatanejo, but shortly after takeoff, it experienced technical difficulties. The airliner lost altitude rapidly and went down in a mountainous region near the coast. Investigations revealed a combination of factors contributing to the mishap.

Continue Reading