On this day December 12 1985 Arrow Flight 1285 crashed shortly after takeoff in Gander Newfoundland, resulting in the loss of all 256 people on board. Among the victims were 236 members of the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division who were returning home after a peacekeeping deployment. The crash became one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the decade and left a profound impact on military families and communities across the country.
The tragedy drew international attention as investigations worked to determine the cause while families and service members mourned the sudden loss. The event stood as a stark reminder of the risks associated with military transport during a period of heavy global activity and created a lasting moment of reflection for both civilian and military aviation safety.
80s insight: The event showed how aviation disasters deeply shaped public awareness during the decade and highlighted the dangers faced by service members even outside active duty.
The tragedy drew international attention as investigations worked to determine the cause while families and service members mourned the sudden loss. The event stood as a stark reminder of the risks associated with military transport during a period of heavy global activity and created a lasting moment of reflection for both civilian and military aviation safety.
80s insight: The event showed how aviation disasters deeply shaped public awareness during the decade and highlighted the dangers faced by service members even outside active duty.
