United States — Historical Events Description

United States flag
United States
Event
TWA Flight 800 Disaster
Category
Other
Date
1996-07-17
Country
United States
Description

On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded shortly after takeoff from New York. All 230 people on board were killed. Investigators determined that a spark ignited fuel vapors in a center fuel tank. The tragedy prompted changes to aircraft safety systems. Families and communities mourned the devastating loss. The investigation remains one of the most complex in aviation history.