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On This Day: January 13, 1982 - Air Florida Flight 90 Crashed Into the 14th Street Bridge

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Pete

Pete

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On this day, January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 tragically crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, D.C., before plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport during a severe snowstorm.

The disaster claimed the lives of 78 people, including 4 motorists on the bridge. Only 5 passengers survived, thanks to the heroic efforts of rescuers and bystanders who braved the freezing water. One of the heroes, Arland D. Williams Jr., repeatedly passed a rescue line to others before succumbing to the cold—a selfless act that earned him national recognition.

The crash led to significant changes in aviation safety, including stricter de-icing procedures and increased scrutiny of cockpit crew protocols during inclement weather.

Fun Fact: The bridge where the crash occurred was later renamed the Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge in honor of the man who gave his life to save others.

What are your thoughts on how this tragedy shaped aviation safety? Do you remember hearing about this event when it happened?
 
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