Hard to believe it's been 40 years since the Air Florida crash into the 14th Street Bridge

[elleng]

in DC during a snowstorm. Here's a look back.

The date also marked the first deaths on the Metrorail system after a train derailed.

As Washington was in the grip of a snowstorm 40 years ago, an Air Florida jet struggling to get out of Washington National Airport slammed into the 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the Potomac River. Seventy-eight people died.

The Jan. 13, 1982, crash happened well before the age of ubiquitous phone cameras, but images of the aftermath — including daring rescues by a National Park Service helicopter and bystanders on the shore — were captured by local news crews. The indelible images were broadcast around the world.

“The helicopter rescues were so dramatic,” said Jeff Marcus, chief of safety recommendations at the National Transportation Safety Board. “You couldn’t have staged it better if you were staging it.”'

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/01/13/air-florida-crash-40-years/?

((I remember it well, was walking home in SW across the Mall from my office in Federal Triangle.))

[CincyDem]

1. And 40 years ago, then local shock-jock Howard Stern called Air Florida reservations on air and...

...asked for the one-way fare from Washington National to the 14th Street Bridge. Not cool.

He lasted another year at DC101 before moving on to NYC and syndication stardom.

[elleng]

3. Not cool EVER.

[3catwoman3]

2. My favorite aunt was due to fly out of DC to Denver a few days after this horrific crash...

...to attend out wedding. She was not fond of traveling anyway, and this really did it for her. She decided she would stay home.

[doc03]

4. Damn I feel old 40 f--g years? nt

[paleotn]

5. It is. Half way through my Sr. year of high school.

I'll never forget the rescue of survivors from the icy Potomac. A terrible day.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten about that.

I think Dennis Donovan had a thread about that a few years back. I'll find it.

On the same day, there was a fatality on the Metro, which is probably why you were walking.

WTOP Retweeted

Today marks 40 years since Jan. 13, 1982 — the snowy day Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, and Metrorail experienced its first fatal derailment. A reporter reflects on changes in how breaking news is now covered.

Link to tweet

40 years ago on WTOP: Air Florida crash, fatal Metro derailment, snowstorm | WTOP News
Today marks 40 years since Jan. 13, 1982 — the snowy day Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into D.C.’s 14th Street Bridge, and Metrorail experienced its first fatal

The story of Arland D. Williams, Jr., The Citadel Class of 1957, the man who passed the life ring to others.

{snip the weepy Reagan tweet}

40 years ago, a 737 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge during a snowstorm, killing 78

Link to tweet

40 years ago, a 737 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge during a snowstorm, killing 78
The date also marked the first deaths on the Metrorail system after a train derailed.

[elleng]

7. I only now remember Metro accident.

Walking because Federal Triangle to l'enfant SW > waterfront the best way, regular exercise in those days.