Insights from aviation's most significant accidents
Explore comprehensive documentation of major air disasters, understand their causes, and learn how they shaped modern aviation safety standards.
Explore the most significant aviation accidents that transformed safety protocols and saved countless lives
March 27, 1977
Two Boeing 747s collided on runway in heavy fog. Led to standardized aviation phraseology worldwide.
August 12, 1985
Improper bulkhead repair led to explosive decompression. Deadliest single-aircraft accident.
November 12, 1996
Mid-air collision between two aircraft. Led to mandatory TCAS requirements.
March 10, 2019
MCAS system malfunction. Led to 737 MAX grounding and certification reform.
June 1, 2009
Pitot tube icing and pilot confusion. Improved training on loss of automation.
May 25, 1979
Engine detachment during takeoff. Led to DC-10 design improvements.
From tragedy comes progress. See how aviation has become 400× safer since 1959
Zero CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) accidents recorded—a historic first demonstrating the effectiveness of GPWS systems and crew training protocols.
Explore disasters organized by their primary causes and contributing factors
Pilot mistakes, ATC errors, and communication failures
Design flaws, maintenance errors, and equipment malfunctions
Severe conditions, icing, turbulence, and wind shear
Terrorism, sabotage, bird strikes, and mid-air collisions