May 14

On May 14, 1977, a Dan-Air Boeing 707 leased to IAS Cargo Airlines crashed while attempting to land at Lusaka International Airport. The cargo flight encountered heavy rain and poor visibility, complicating the approach in the final moments. All six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed, and the accident shocked both local and international aviation circles. Investigations cited pilot disorientation and adverse weather as primary factors in the crash. In the aftermath, improved instrument landing procedures and enhanced crew training were implemented to prevent similar tragedies.

The collision occurred when a drunk motorist drove the wrong way on Interstate 71 and struck a converted school bus carrying a church youth group. The force of the impact and ensuing fire claimed the lives of twenty-seven passengers and injured many others. Most victims were teenagers traveling home from a church event. Emergency response was hampered by limited lane access and the rapid spread of fire. Investigations led to stricter drunk driving laws and improvements in bus safety and fire response. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest road accidents in American history and is commemorated by safety advocates nationwide.

On May 14, 2004, Rico Linhas Aéreas Flight 4815, an ATR 42 carrying 33 people, approached Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus. During the final descent, the aircraft plunged into the dense Amazon rainforest under uncertain circumstances. All 33 passengers and crew on board perished in the crash, which was one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region’s history. Rescue teams faced challenges locating the wreckage amid thick vegetation and remote terrain. Investigators examined weather conditions, mechanical factors, and pilot communications to determine the cause. The accident prompted reviews of flight safety protocols for regional carriers operating in challenging environments. Families of victims called for stricter regulations on maintenance and crew training to prevent future tragedies.

On May 14, 2012, Agni Air Flight CHT, a regional twin-engine aircraft, attempted to land at a remote airfield in Nepal. During approach, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver but lost control amid challenging mountainous terrain. The plane crashed and burst into flames, killing all 15 people on board. Rescue teams reached the site hours later due to difficult weather and rugged landscape. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal launched an investigation into potential mechanical failure and pilot error. The accident underscored the hazards of flight operations in Nepal’s high-altitude airports. Following the crash, Agni Air faced scrutiny over maintenance standards and crew training practices.