March 22

On March 22, 1955, a United States Navy Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster carrying 66 passengers and crew crashed into the Waiʻanae Mountain Range on Oahu. The transport plane, en route to Tokyo, encountered poor weather and navigational challenges. All aboard perished when the aircraft impacted the rugged terrain, making it one of the deadliest crashes in Navy history. The tragedy prompted reviews of flight safety procedures and navigational training for military transport missions. Memorials in Hawaii honor the victims, and lessons learned influenced future aviation safety standards.

On March 22, 1975, a significant fire broke out in a cable spreading room at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant near Decatur, Alabama. The blaze damaged instrumentation cables and led to a dangerous drop in the cooling water supply vital for reactor safety. Operators struggled to maintain appropriate water levels to prevent overheating and potential meltdown. This incident prompted a comprehensive review of fire suppression and cable insulation standards at nuclear facilities nationwide. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission introduced new regulations to enhance fire protection and emergency response procedures. Browns Ferry remains a case study in nuclear power safety and risk management.

On March 22, 1978, Karl Wallenda, founder of the legendary acrobatic troupe The Flying Wallendas, died after falling from a tight-rope suspended between two hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The 73-year-old daredevil was walking the line at approximately 25 feet above the ground when strong winds caused him to lose balance. Despite his decades of experience and previous record of safe performances, this final misstep cost him his life. Wallenda’s dramatic career spanned seven decades and included numerous death-defying acts without the use of safety nets. His passing shocked audiences worldwide and underscored the inherent dangers of high-wire artistry. He left a lasting legacy that continues through his family’s performances today.

On March 22, 1992, USAir Flight 405 crashed shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City amid icy runway conditions. The ATR-72 encountered unremoved ice on its wings during pre-flight, leading to aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent. Eleven passengers and crew lost their lives in the accident, which prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate de-icing practices across airlines. The NTSB’s findings revealed systemic shortcomings in pilot decision-making and ground crew protocols under winter weather. As a result, the FAA revised regulations to require more rigorous de-icing procedures and stricter oversight of cold-weather operations. The incident remains a pivotal moment in aviation safety reform.

On March 22, 2013, a massive fire swept through a makeshift camp housing Burmese migrants near Ban Mae in northern Thailand. Wooden and bamboo shelters, densely packed in the settlement, were quickly consumed, leaving victims with little chance to escape. The blaze claimed at least 37 lives and injured over 200 people, many suffering severe burns and respiratory injuries. Responding firefighters and volunteers faced challenges navigating narrow pathways amid collapsing structures. The tragedy highlighted the precarious living conditions of undocumented refugees and spurred calls for improved safety regulations and humanitarian support along Thailand's border. Local and international aid agencies mobilized to provide medical care, shelter, and legal assistance to affected families.

On March 22, 2019, two passenger buses collided head-on near Kitampo, a town north of Ghana's capital, Accra. The impact killed at least 50 people and injured dozens more, many of whom were hospitalized with critical injuries. Witnesses reported that one bus veered into oncoming traffic, possibly due to brake failure or driver fatigue. Emergency responders and bystanders worked through the night to evacuate survivors and recover bodies. The tragedy highlighted persistent concerns over road safety standards and vehicle maintenance in Ghana. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the crash and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.