Admiral Cloudberg: the TWA 800 investigation
On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long Island, killing all 230 aboard. The NTSB attributed the crash to a fuel tank failure, but public skepticism persists.
Read original article
On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 tragically exploded and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Long Island, New York, resulting in the deaths of all 230 individuals on board. The Boeing 747's midair breakup captured national attention, leading to widespread speculation about the cause, including theories of a bomb or missile strike. The FBI and NTSB conducted extensive investigations, ultimately concluding that the explosion was due to a catastrophic failure in the center wing fuel tank, ignited by a spark from faulty wiring. Despite the NTSB's detailed report, public skepticism remained high, with many Americans doubting the official findings. The flight, which was on a prestigious route from New York to Paris, faced numerous pre-departure issues, including delays and a malfunctioning refueling system. After takeoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden explosion at 13,800 feet, leading to a rapid and chaotic disintegration. Witnesses reported seeing the explosion and subsequent fireballs, while first responders found a scene of devastation at the crash site. The incident marked one of the deadliest air disasters in U.S. history and left a lasting impact on the collective psyche of the nation, as conspiracy theories and doubts about the investigation's conclusions continue to persist.
- TWA Flight 800 crashed on July 17, 1996, killing all 230 on board.
- The NTSB attributed the crash to a fuel tank explosion caused by faulty wiring.
- Public skepticism about the official findings remains high, with many doubting the NTSB's conclusions.
- The flight faced multiple pre-departure issues, contributing to the tragedy.
- The incident significantly impacted media coverage and internet traffic at the time.
Related
Boeing faces fresh safety questions after engine fire on flight from Scotland
Boeing faces safety concerns after an engine fire on a Delta flight. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch urges FAA action for safety compliance. Previous incidents raise worries about Boeing's safety record.
Pilots said nothing as Southwest plane flew dangerously low over Tampa Bay
On July 14, a Southwest Airlines flight descended dangerously low near Tampa Bay, alarming passengers. The FAA is investigating the incident, which raises concerns about pilot fatigue and safety practices.
The crash of American Eagle flight 4184 and the ATR icing story
On October 31, 1994, American Eagle flight 4184 crashed due to ice accumulation, killing all 68 on board. The incident raised safety concerns about the ATR 72 and regulatory oversight.
Two Delta planes collide on an Atlanta taxiway, knocking the tail off one
Two Delta Air Lines planes collided at Atlanta airport on September 10, 2024, causing damage but no injuries. Investigations by the NTSB and FAA are ongoing, with minimal operational disruptions reported.
Accident: United B752 enroute on 19-Sep-24, TCAS resolution 2 passengers injured
On September 19, 2024, a United Airlines flight experienced a TCAS advisory, resulting in two passenger injuries. The FAA classified it as an accident, prompting discussions on improving TCAS protocols.
9 commentsAnd, not coincidentally, United and Delta retired their passenger 747s just before the deadline. It was never mentioned in any of the press stories about the last flights, those tended to be more nostalgic.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/delta-boeing-747-retireme...
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/farewell-your-majes...
The fact that the two airlines chose to continue to fly unmodified fuel tanks for a decade after the ruling is somewhat frightening.
Wow.
Thankfully it was not, but felt “close” for me.
Related
Boeing faces fresh safety questions after engine fire on flight from Scotland
Boeing faces safety concerns after an engine fire on a Delta flight. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch urges FAA action for safety compliance. Previous incidents raise worries about Boeing's safety record.
Pilots said nothing as Southwest plane flew dangerously low over Tampa Bay
On July 14, a Southwest Airlines flight descended dangerously low near Tampa Bay, alarming passengers. The FAA is investigating the incident, which raises concerns about pilot fatigue and safety practices.
The crash of American Eagle flight 4184 and the ATR icing story
On October 31, 1994, American Eagle flight 4184 crashed due to ice accumulation, killing all 68 on board. The incident raised safety concerns about the ATR 72 and regulatory oversight.
Two Delta planes collide on an Atlanta taxiway, knocking the tail off one
Two Delta Air Lines planes collided at Atlanta airport on September 10, 2024, causing damage but no injuries. Investigations by the NTSB and FAA are ongoing, with minimal operational disruptions reported.
Accident: United B752 enroute on 19-Sep-24, TCAS resolution 2 passengers injured
On September 19, 2024, a United Airlines flight experienced a TCAS advisory, resulting in two passenger injuries. The FAA classified it as an accident, prompting discussions on improving TCAS protocols.