1946day.year
Howard Hughes nearly dies when his XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft prototype crashes in a Beverly Hills neighborhood.
Howard Hughes narrowly survived a dramatic crash of his experimental XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft in a Beverly Hills neighborhood.
On July 7, 1946, aviation pioneer Howard Hughes piloted the experimental XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced engine issues over Beverly Hills.
Hughes struggled to control the powerful twin-engine plane before it descended into residential streets.
The XF-11 crashed into houses, causing widespread property damage.
Despite the violent impact, Hughes emerged with serious injuries but survived, further cementing his reputation for daring.
The incident delayed the XF-11 program but provided critical data on the plane's design and safety.
The crash remains one of the most dramatic moments in Hughes’s storied aviation career.
Howard Hughes
XF-11
reconnaissance aircraft
Beverly Hills
1962day.year
Alitalia Flight 771 crashes in Junnar, Maharashtra, India, killing 94 people.
Alitalia Flight 771 tragically crashed near Junnar in India, resulting in the loss of 94 lives.
On July 7, 1962, Alitalia Flight 771, en route from Rome to Bombay, crashed in the hills near Junnar, Maharashtra.
The DC-6B aircraft descended below its intended altitude in hazardous terrain.
All 94 passengers and crew aboard were killed in the impact.
Investigations pointed to navigational errors and poor weather conditions.
The disaster prompted reviews of approach procedures in challenging airspace.
Improvements to flight instrumentation and crew training followed to enhance safety.
The crash remains one of the deadliest in Indian aviation history.
1962
Alitalia Flight 771
Junnar
Maharashtra
India
2011day.year
A man goes on a killing spree in Grand Rapids, Michigan, killing 7 and wounding 2 before killing himself.
On July 7, 2011, a lone gunman in Grand Rapids, Michigan, killed seven people and wounded two before taking his own life.
On the afternoon of July 7, 2011, a man opened fire at multiple locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He shot and killed seven individuals and wounded two others in a series of seemingly random attacks. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, but the shooter ultimately ended the rampage by committing suicide. The motive for the shootings remained unclear, prompting speculation about mental health and public safety. The community rallied to support victims' families and survivors, organizing memorials and fundraisers. The tragedy sparked renewed debates over gun control legislation in Michigan and nationwide.
2011
killing spree
Grand Rapids, Michigan
2012day.year
At least 172 people are killed in a flash flood in the Krasnodar Krai region of Russia.
A sudden flash flood in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region killed at least 172 people.
On July 7, 2012, torrential rains caused a devastating flash flood across the Krasnodar Krai region in southern Russia. Entire villages were inundated as water levels rose rapidly, catching residents off guard. Emergency services rushed to rescue survivors trapped by the floodwaters, but the swift current and debris made operations perilous. Official reports confirmed at least 172 fatalities, with many more missing or injured. The disaster highlighted inadequate warning systems and infrastructure in the area. In the aftermath, the Russian government pledged to improve flood defenses and provide aid to affected families. International relief agencies also contributed resources to support recovery efforts.
2012
flash flood
Krasnodar Krai
Russia
2013day.year
A De Havilland Otter air taxi crashes in Soldotna, Alaska, killing ten people.
A De Havilland Otter air taxi crashed near Soldotna, Alaska, killing ten people on board.
On July 7, 2013, a De Havilland Otter air taxi operated by a local charter service crashed shortly after departing from Soldotna Airport in Alaska. The aircraft was carrying eight passengers and two crew members when it went down in a wooded area near the runway. Search and rescue teams quickly located the crash site, but all ten people aboard were found deceased. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were dispatched to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggested challenging weather conditions and possible mechanical issues. The tragedy underscored the risks of aviation in remote regions and led to calls for improved safety protocols. Memorial services were held in Soldotna to honor the victims and support their families.
2013
De Havilland Otter
air taxi
crashes
Soldotna, Alaska
2016day.year
Ex-US Army soldier Micah Xavier Johnson shoots fourteen policemen, killing five of them, in downtown Dallas, Texas at the end of a protest of recent police killings of Black men. He is subsequently killed by a robot-delivered bomb.
A former soldier opened fire on police officers during a Dallas protest, killing five before being killed by a robot bomb.
On July 7, 2016, during a protest against police violence in downtown Dallas, Texas, ex-Army soldier Micah Xavier Johnson ambushed and fired upon law enforcement officers. He targeted Black officers in what he later described as retaliation for recent police killings. Over the course of a prolonged standoff, Johnson wounded nine officers and killed five. Negotiators attempted to communicate with him, but despite efforts, the situation escalated. In a historic first, police deployed a bomb-carrying robot to end the siege, resulting in Johnson's death. The incident marked one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. law enforcement in decades and prompted nationwide discussions on race, policing tactics, and the use of robotics in law enforcement.
2016
shoots fourteen policemen
Dallas, Texas