November 14

On November 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932, carrying the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, coaches, and supporters, crashed into mountainous terrain near Huntington, West Virginia. The Douglas DC-9 encountered challenging weather conditions and low visibility while descending toward the Tri-State Airport. The aircraft struck trees and terrain short of the runway, resulting in the deaths of all 75 passengers and crew. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest sports-related aviation accidents in U.S. history. The Marshall University community and the town of Huntington were plunged into mourning, prompting a nationwide outpouring of support. Investigators scrutinized flight procedures and weather protocols, leading to enhanced safety measures for approach and landing operations. In the aftermath, the football program and city united through memorials and rebuilding efforts, forever honoring those lost on Flight 932.

On November 14, 1990, Alitalia Flight 404, a scheduled DC-9 service from Rome to Zurich, crashed into Stadlerberg Mountain near the village of Weiach during its final approach to Zurich Airport. The aircraft descended below the safe glide path amid poor visibility and inadequate approach guidance. All 46 passengers and crew on board perished in the impact. Investigators cited navigational errors and communication lapses between the flight crew and air traffic control as key factors. The disaster prompted revisions to Swiss approach procedures and accelerated the adoption of enhanced terrain awareness systems.

On November 14, 1992, Vietnam Airlines Flight 474, operating a Yakovlev Yak-40 from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, crashed into mountainous terrain during heavy rain and powerful winds driven by Cyclone Forrest. The sudden storm reduced visibility and challenged the crew’s ability to navigate the approach path. All 30 people on board, including crew and passengers, were killed in the accident. Investigators pointed to insufficient weather forecasting and limited pilot experience in severe tropical conditions as contributing factors. The tragedy led Vietnamese authorities to enhance meteorological services and implement stricter weather-related flight restrictions.

On November 14, 2001, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook a remote region of the Tibetan Plateau. The quake produced an extraordinary surface rupture extending nearly 400 kilometers, the longest known on land. Seismologists identified it as a supershear event, where seismic waves moved faster than the shear wave speed, providing rare insights into earthquake mechanics. The remote location meant minimal casualties but offered a unique opportunity for scientific study. Researchers established detailed field observations, mapping the rupture zone and analyzing ground deformations. The event significantly advanced the understanding of supershear dynamics and continues to inform seismic hazard assessments in continental interiors.

On November 14, 2016, a violent magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near the town of Kaikōura on New Zealand's South Island. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers and produced widespread surface ruptures over numerous fault lines. Coastal areas experienced dramatic land uplift and collapse, triggering massive rockfalls and landslides. Roads and rail lines were destroyed, isolating Kaikōura and nearby communities for days. Emergency services conducted evacuations and delivered supplies by helicopter. Despite the severe damage to infrastructure, prompt response efforts minimized casualties, though two residents sadly perished.