What Happened This Year 1993

Historical Events from This Year 1993

Accidents & Tragedies

Asiana Airlines Flight 733 Crashes on Final Approach

July 26th, 1993 31 years ago

Asiana Airlines Flight 733, en route to Mokpo Airport in South Korea, crashed into a ridge on Mt. Ungeo during its third landing attempt. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-500, was attempting to land in poor visibility due to heavy rain and fog when the accident occurred. Of the 116 people on board, 68 were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea's history.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

John Demjanjuk Acquitted of Nazi War Crimes

July 29th, 1993 31 years ago

John Demjanjuk, an alleged guard at Nazi death camps, was acquitted by the Supreme Court of Israel of all charges, leading to his release. His trial had drawn international attention, raising questions about justice and the complexities involved in prosecuting Holocaust-era crimes. The decision concluded a lengthy legal battle over his identity, which had been a focal point of his defense.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Peak of the Great Floods in America

August 1st, 1993 31 years ago

The Great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Flood reached its peak in the summer of 1993, causing widespread devastation across the Midwest. Heavy rainfall in the upper Midwest led to the overflow of rivers and significant flooding in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. With levees breaking under pressure, countless homes, businesses, and farmlands were inundated. Emergency management agencies mobilized to support affected communities, marking this flood as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. Several thousand people were evacuated from their homes, and long-term recovery efforts began after waters receded, highlighting the need for improved flood control measures.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Ada Deer Appointed Head of Bureau of Indian Affairs

August 7th, 1993 31 years ago

Ada Deer was sworn in as the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, reflecting her dedication to Native American rights and involvement in federal Indian policy. Deer, a member of the Menominee Tribe, had previously been a prominent advocate for tribal sovereignty and played a crucial role in restoring her tribe's federal recognition. Her leadership position marked a significant step for Native American representation in federal affairs and policy-making.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Strong Earthquake Shakes Guam with Significant Damage

August 8th, 1993 31 years ago

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Guam, registering a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The quake caused widespread damage, estimated at around $250 million, and resulted in injuries to up to 71 people. Residents reported severe shaking, with buildings damaged and infrastructure affected across the island. Emergency services were mobilized to assist and assess the destruction.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

End of LDP's 38-Year National Leadership

August 9th, 1993 31 years ago

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan lost its dominance in national leadership, marking a significant shift in Japanese politics. This transition occurred as a result of a coalition government formed by opposition parties, which successfully ousted the LDP from power after decades of control. The elections were characterized by public dissatisfaction with economic issues, corruption scandals, and a desire for political reform.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

New Zealand Hit by Two Significant Earthquakes

August 10th, 1993 31 years ago

Two significant earthquakes struck New Zealand, first a 7.0 Mw magnitude quake in the South Island, followed nine hours later by a 6.4 Mw event in the North Island. The South Island quake registered an intensity of VI (Strong) and caused notable shaking, while the North Island tremor reached intensity VII (Very strong), leading to heightened concerns over structural safety and aftershocks. Thankfully, despite the severity of these earthquakes, major casualties were largely avoided due to New Zealand's preparedness and building regulations.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

American International Airways Flight 808 Crash

August 18th, 1993 31 years ago

American International Airways Flight 808, operating a cargo flight, crashed at Leeward Point Field within the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The incident involved a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 aircraft that sustained substantial damage during the accident, resulting in injuries to all three crew members on board. The cause of the crash was investigated, focusing on pilot error and adverse weather conditions that may have contributed to the mishap.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

NASA Loses Contact with Mars Observer

August 21st, 1993 31 years ago

NASA's Mars Observer spacecraft lost contact with mission control just three days before it was set to begin its science operations in orbit around Mars. The spacecraft, launched in 1992, was intended to study the Martian atmosphere and geology. Despite all efforts from ground control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contact could not be re-established, leaving the fate of the mission in question.

Continue Reading