October 27

On October 27, 1948, Donora, Pennsylvania, became shrouded in a thick, toxic smog that lingered for five days. The smog originated from industrial emissions combined with weather conditions that trapped pollutants in the Monongahela River valley. Visibility dropped significantly, and residents experienced coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. The event claimed the lives of 20 people and sickened over 7,000. Medical studies linked the disaster to sulfur dioxide and particulate matter from local zinc and steel plants. The Donora smog incident spurred public demand for air quality regulations and contributed to the establishment of the U.S. Clean Air Act in 1963.

On October 27, 1993, Widerøe Flight 744 crashed during its approach to Namsos Airport in Overhalla Municipality, Norway. The De Havilland Canada Twin Otter encountered poor weather and challenging terrain, leading to controlled flight into terrain. All six people on board, including passengers and crew, lost their lives. Norwegian investigators cited low visibility and navigational difficulties as contributing factors. The accident prompted updates to approach procedures and improved pilot training for regional operations. Widerøe, Norway's largest regional airline, reinforced its safety protocols and fleet maintenance standards. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest accidents in the airline's history and influenced aviation safety reforms in Norway.

On October 27, 2018, a helicopter carrying Leicester City F.C. owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed moments after taking off from the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others on board were killed in the tragic accident. The helicopter had lifted off following a home match against West Ham United. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft tilting before plunging into a nearby car park. The crash shocked fans around the world, who remembered Vichai’s leadership and the club’s remarkable 2015–16 title win. Tributes poured in from the football community as Leicester City honored his memory. Investigations later examined mechanical and maintenance factors contributing to the disaster.