Flying is a marvel of modern engineering – a quick ticket to distant lands, turning a cross-country journey into a matter of hours. It’s an unparalleled convenience, with no traffic jams or long, winding roads, just a smooth glide above the clouds.
Imagine soaring high above the earth, watching cities shrink into toy models, and reaching your destination faster than you can watch a few movies. The ease of hopping on a plane and being whisked away to new adventures is something we often take for granted.
But beneath this streamlined experience lies a reality that can’t be ignored. Air travel, while statistically safe, is not without its risks. When things go wrong in the sky, they go very wrong. The crashes that have occurred over the years are stark reminders of the potential dangers involved in aviation.
Today, we’ll explore three of the deadliest airplane crashes in U.S. history.
1. The 1945 Empire State Building Crash
On a foggy Saturday morning in July 1945, New York City woke up to what seemed like an ordinary day. But as the clouds thickened, a B-25 Mitchell bomber found itself lost in the mist, navigating the dense fog that blanketed the city.
Attempting to avoid the skyscrapers, the pilot veered off course, bringing the bomber dangerously close to the towering Empire State Building. At 9:40 a.m., his aircraft slammed into the building’s north side on the 79th floor.
A resulting explosion tore through the structure, claiming the lives of 14 people. Eleven of these people were present in the building, while the other three belonged to the plane’s crew.
Flames from the explosion spread through the upper floors, causing significant structural damage, and the aftermath left the iconic skyscraper scarred but standing.
A horrifying moment in history, the crash also led to stricter safety regulations in the aviation industry.
Betty Lou Oliver – The Miracle Survivor of The Incident
In the aftermath of the 1945 Empire State Building crash, a story of sheer survival emerged – Betty Lou Oliver’s. Oliver, an elevator operator in the building, was working on the 80th floor when the B-25 bomber struck.
The impact caused an inferno, and as rescuers tried to evacuate her via an elevator, the cables snapped, sending her plummeting 75 stories.
Astonishingly, Oliver survived the fall of nearly 1,000 feet, setting a Guinness world record for the longest survived elevator plunge. Her miraculous survival became a symbol of hope amidst the tragedy.
2. American Airlines Flight 191 Crash - 1979
On May 25, 1979, a routine takeoff for American Airlines Flight 191 turned into one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.
Shortly after lifting off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, the aircraft lost its left engine, which ripped away, causing critical damage to the plane’s wing. Aero Times reported that this catastrophic failure severed the hydraulic lines, leading to a loss of control.
Within moments, the DC-10 banked sharply and plunged into the ground just moments after leaving the runway. The crash was devastating – killing all 271 passengers and crew onboard, along with two people on the ground. Its impact was so intense that it left a large crater and ignited a massive fire.
Such accidents cause more damage than what’s visible on the surface. They leave a lasting impact on the minds of the victims’ survivors and loved ones. The lives lost certainly cannot be brought back. However, those who survive but suffer grievous injuries also find it difficult to navigate through the physical and emotional mess.
Those who have suffered similar injuries in Chicago can receive compensation for the same, on one condition. They should be willing to file a personal injury lawsuit against the airlines. Torhoerman Law notes that airplane crashes fall into the category of personal injury.
However, filing a lawsuit as complicated as an airplane crash personal injury isn’t an easy feat. Is this their first time filing one? Then, it might be a good idea to get in touch with the best personal injury lawyer in Chicago for the job.
3. United Airlines Flight 232 Crash - 1989
On July 19, 1989, United Airlines Flight 232 became a harrowing tale of both tragedy and heroism. The DC-10 was cruising smoothly at 37,000 feet when disaster struck. A catastrophic failure of the tail-mounted engine led to the loss of all hydraulic systems, rendering the aircraft nearly uncontrollable.
Despite the dire situation, the crew, led by Captain Al Haynes, fought to steer the plane using only the throttles of the remaining engines.
As they approached Sioux City, Iowa, the crew attempted an emergency landing. The plane cartwheeled down the runway, breaking into pieces and bursting into flames. Out of 296 people onboard, 112 lost their lives, but remarkably, 184 survived – a testament to the crew’s extraordinary efforts.
Simple Flying noted how the crash taking place in the afternoon worked in the favor of the victims. As it was time for a new shift in hospitals and medical centers, more nurses and doctors were on hand to tend to them.
With over 100 ambulances and fire trucks sent to the crash site, all victims were admitted into hospitals within 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is flying safer than driving?
Yes, flying is considered to be safer than driving. This is because, unlike road travel, multiple divisions work together to ensure safety in air travel. Obtaining a driver’s license is also monumentally simpler than obtaining a pilot’s license. This highlights the difference in levels of expertise required in both jobs.
When was the last major plane crash in the US?
According to USA Today, the Colgan-Buffalo Plane Crash of 2009 was the last major plane crash in US history. The commuter plane, which crashed right before landing in New York, killed all 49 passengers on board. Pilot fatigue was found to be a key factor in the crash.
Which is safer, Boeing or Airbus?
Between Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the latter is considered to be safer. Boeing’s own report between 1959 and 2022 highlights how Airbus is a clear winner for safety between the two competing aircraft. Its hull loss accident rate (per one million departures) per model is lower than that of Boeing.
In reflecting on these tragic events, it’s clear that while air travel has given us remarkable convenience, it has also brought moments of loss. However, these incidents have also driven significant advancements in aviation safety, making the skies safer for everyone. As we remember those lost, we also acknowledge the progress made to prevent such tragedies in the future.
