1914day.year
A servant of American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, sets fire to the living quarters of Wright's Wisconsin home, Taliesin, and murders seven people there.
In 1914, a servant of Frank Lloyd Wright set fire to his Wisconsin home, Taliesin, killing seven people in a shocking act of arson and murder.
On August 15, 1914, at Taliesin, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate in Wisconsin, a servant identified as Julian Carlton committed a horrific act of arson and murder.
After Wright and his companion had left, the manor’s living quarters were set ablaze, trapping residents inside.
The fire claimed the lives of seven people, including Wright's guests, and injured others who escaped the blaze.
Carlton attempted to take his own life and was later apprehended, though his motives remained unclear.
The tragedy devastated Wright personally and professionally, destroying his residence and marking a dark chapter in his career.
Despite the loss, Wright rebuilt Taliesin twice, transforming the estate into a symbol of resilience and renewal in architecture.
1914
architect
Frank Lloyd Wright
Wisconsin
Taliesin
1935day.year
Will Rogers and Wiley Post are killed after their aircraft develops engine problems during takeoff in Barrow, Alaska.
In 1935, humorist Will Rogers and famed aviator Wiley Post died in a plane crash after an engine failure during takeoff in Barrow, Alaska.
On August 15, 1935, Roy 'Wiley' Post, a pioneering aviator, and Will Rogers, beloved writer and humorist, took off from Fairbanks en route to Barrow, Alaska.
Shortly after liftoff, Post’s Lockheed Orion experienced engine trouble and crashed onto the frozen waters near Point Barrow.
Neither Post nor Rogers survived the impact, and their deaths shocked the nation.
Post had set multiple world aviation records and advanced high-altitude flight technology.
Rogers was celebrated for his wit, syndicated newspaper columns, radio broadcasts, and film performances.
Their untimely deaths underscored the perils of early aviation exploration and left a lasting impact on both aeronautics and American culture.
1935
Will Rogers
Wiley Post
Barrow, Alaska
1939day.year
Twenty-six Junkers Ju 87 bombers commanded by Walter Sigel meet unexpected ground fog during a dive-bombing demonstration for Luftwaffe generals at Neuhammer. Thirteen of them crash and burn.
In 1939, unexpected ground fog caused thirteen Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers to crash during a Luftwaffe demonstration at Neuhammer.
On August 15, 1939, twenty-six Junkers Ju 87 'Stuka' dive bombers, commanded by Walter Sigel, performed a demonstration flight for Luftwaffe generals at Neuhammer.
Thick ground fog descended without warning, severely limiting pilot visibility during the dive-bombing exercise.
Unable to navigate safely, thirteen of the aircraft crashed and burned upon impact.
Though conducted in peacetime, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in precision bombing tactics under adverse weather conditions.
The Luftwaffe responded by reviewing safety procedures and improving meteorological support for future operations.
Walter Sigel survived the accident and continued to serve with distinction during World War II.
1939
Junkers Ju 87
Walter Sigel
Neuhammer
1950day.year
Measuring Mw 8.6, the largest earthquake on land occurs in the Assam-Tibet-Myanmar border, killing 4,800.
The largest on-land earthquake, magnitude 8.6, struck the Assam-Tibet-Myanmar border on August 15, 1950, causing widespread devastation.
On August 15, 1950, a magnitude 8.6 earthquake rocked the remote border region of Assam, Tibet, and Myanmar.
It remains the largest on-land earthquake ever recorded.
The powerful tremor triggered massive landslides and avalanches that buried villages and cut off communities.
Rescue efforts were hampered by rugged terrain and limited infrastructure.
Official estimates report around 4,800 fatalities, though the true toll may have been higher.
Aftershocks continued for weeks, compounding the suffering and complicating relief operations.
The event remains a stark reminder of the region's seismic vulnerability.
1950
Mw
largest earthquake on land
Assam-Tibet-Myanmar border
1952day.year
A flash flood drenches the town of Lynmouth, England, killing 34 people.
On August 15, 1952, a sudden flash flood swept through Lynmouth in Devon, claiming 34 lives and devastating the riverside town.
On the night of August 15, 1952, Exmoor experienced unprecedented rainfall that overwhelmed the East Lyn River's capacity. A torrent of water and debris tore through Lynmouth, sweeping away houses, roads, and bridges. Rescue operations by local residents and emergency services faced immense challenges due to blocked roads and dangerous conditions. The disaster highlighted the need for improved flood warnings and rural infrastructure resilience. In the aftermath, hydraulic engineers redesigned river channels and flood defenses to prevent future catastrophes. Memorials in Lynmouth honor those who perished and educate visitors about the town's resilience.
1952
A flash flood
Lynmouth
1959day.year
American Airlines Flight 514, a Boeing 707, crashes near the Calverton Executive Airpark in Calverton, New York, killing all five people on board.
A Boeing 707 operated by American Airlines crashes near Calverton Executive Airpark on August 15, 1959, killing all five crew members.
On August 15, 1959, American Airlines Flight 514 crashed during a demonstration flight near Calverton Executive Airpark in New York. The new Boeing 707 was performing a low-altitude dive to showcase its capabilities when it went out of control and impacted the field. All five crew members on board were killed instantly, marking one of the first fatal accidents involving a jet airliner. The Civil Aeronautics Board launched a formal investigation into the cause, examining potential mechanical failures and pilot procedures. Findings led to improved flight test protocols and safety standards for early commercial jets. The tragedy underscored the risks of transitioning to jet-powered aircraft in the late 1950s. Subsequent changes in training and certification processes aimed to prevent similar disasters.
1959
American Airlines Flight 514
Boeing 707
Calverton Executive Airpark
Calverton, New York
1976day.year
SAETA Flight 011 crashes into the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, killing all 59 people on board; the wreckage is not discovered until 2002.
SAETA Flight 011 crashed into Ecuador's Chimborazo volcano, killing all aboard and remaining hidden for over 25 years.
On August 15, 1976, SAETA Flight 011 vanished on its domestic route from Quito to Cuenca amid dense cloud cover.
The plane tragically collided with the slopes of the inactive Chimborazo volcano, claiming 59 lives.
Search efforts at the time failed to locate the wreckage due to rugged terrain and snow cover.
It wasn't until 2002 that mountaineers discovered the crash site, solving a decades-long aviation mystery.
The disaster underscored the perils of flying in mountainous regions and led to improved navigational safety measures in Ecuador.
1976
SAETA Flight 011
Chimborazo
Ecuador
1989day.year
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5510 crashes after takeoff from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, killing 34 of the 40 people on board.
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5510 crashed shortly after takeoff from Shanghai, resulting in 34 fatalities out of 40 passengers and crew.
On August 15, 1989, Flight 5510 departed Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport en route to Nanjing before experiencing critical failure shortly after liftoff.
The aircraft plunged into a field near the runway, claiming 34 lives and leaving only six survivors.
Investigations pointed to a series of mechanical and procedural failures, highlighting gaps in early post-reform Chinese civil aviation safety.
The disaster prompted China Eastern Airlines and aviation authorities to overhaul inspection protocols and crew training standards.
Families of the victims and aviation experts consider the crash a pivotal moment in China's rapid modernization of its airline industry.
1989
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5510
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
2007day.year
An 8.0-magnitude earthquake off the Pacific coast devastates Ica and various regions of Peru killing 514 and injuring 1,090.
A powerful 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Peru’s coast in 2007, causing widespread destruction and over 500 deaths.
On August 15, 2007, a massive 8.0-magnitude tremor hit the Pacific coast of Peru, with its epicenter near the city of Pisco.
The quake flattened adobe homes, churches, and historic landmarks across the Ica region and surrounding areas.
At least 514 people lost their lives and more than 1,090 were injured, overwhelming local hospitals.
Tsunami warnings prompted coastal evacuations, though waves were minimal.
National and international aid agencies mobilized for rescue and recovery, while rebuilding efforts took years to restore infrastructure and housing.
The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to seismic risks and spurred improvements in building codes.
2007
8.0-magnitude earthquake
Ica
Peru