1876day.year
The Ashtabula River railroad disaster occurs, leaving 64 injured and 92 dead at Ashtabula, Ohio.
On December 29, 1876, the Ashtabula River railroad bridge collapsed under a passenger train, injuring 64 and killing 92 near Ashtabula, Ohio.
On a frigid winter morning, a mixed passenger and freight train traversing the newly constructed Ashtabula River bridge fell into the icy waters below when a critical iron strut failed. The disaster resulted in 92 fatalities and 64 injuries as wreckage was scattered across the riverbank and charred by escaping steam. Investigations revealed design flaws and inadequate maintenance, leading to one of the first major engineering inquiries in American railroad history. Public outcry over the tragic loss prompted stricter bridge inspection regulations nationwide. The event underscored the risks of rapid railroad expansion and the importance of safety oversight, forever changing industry standards.
1876
Ashtabula River railroad disaster
Ashtabula, Ohio
1972day.year
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 (a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar) crashes in the Florida Everglades on approach to Miami International Airport, Florida, killing 101 of the 176 people on board.
On December 29, 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades while on approach to Miami, causing 101 fatalities.
Flight 401 diverted to Miami due to a malfunctioning landing gear indicator light, prompting the crew to investigate the warning in the cockpit. Unbeknownst to them, the autopilot disengaged during the distraction, causing a gradual, unnoticed descent. The aircraft struck the swampy terrain at night, breaking into pieces and catching fire. Rescue crews faced challenging conditions in the remote Everglades, and recovery of wreckage and bodies was a major effort. The accident spurred the airline industry to enhance crew resource management training, emphasizing cockpit communication and distraction management. It also led to design changes in cockpit warning systems to prevent similar tragedies.
1972
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar
Florida Everglades
Miami International Airport
Florida
1975day.year
A bomb explodes at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing 11 people and injuring more than 75.
On December 29, 1975, a bomb detonated in the arrivals terminal at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 and wounding over 75.
The explosive device went off in a crowded baggage claim area during peak holiday travel, sending passengers and luggage flying. Emergency responders rushed victims to nearby hospitals, battling chaos and confusion in the terminal. Despite extensive investigations by the FBI and local law enforcement, no group ever claimed responsibility. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in airport security and foreshadowed the rise of aviation-related terrorism. In its aftermath, airports across the United States began implementing more rigorous baggage screening procedures. Though the incident remains unsolved, it transformed how authorities approach passenger safety.
1975
bomb explodes
LaGuardia Airport
1994day.year
Turkish Airlines Flight 278 (a Boeing 737-400) crashes on approach to Van Ferit Melen Airport in Van, Turkey, killing 57 of the 76 people on board.
Turkish Airlines Flight 278 crashes while approaching Van Ferit Melen Airport, resulting in the loss of 57 lives.
On December 29, 1994, Turkish Airlines Flight 278, a Boeing 737-400, crashed during its final approach to Van Ferit Melen Airport in eastern Turkey.
The aircraft descended too rapidly in poor weather conditions and struck terrain near the runway.
Of the 76 passengers and crew on board, 57 were killed and 19 survived with injuries.
This accident highlighted challenges in mountainous terrain and winter operations.
Investigations led to recommendations for improved pilot training and approach procedures in adverse weather.
The tragedy remains one of the deadliest in Turkish Airlines history.
1994
Turkish Airlines Flight 278
Boeing 737-400
Van Ferit Melen Airport
Van, Turkey
2012day.year
A Tupolev Tu-204 airliner crashes in a ditch between the airport fence and the M3 highway after overshooting a runway at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia, killing five people and leaving three others critically injured.
A Tupolev Tu-204 overshoots the runway at Vnukovo Airport and crashes, killing five and injuring three others.
On December 29, 2012, a Tupolev Tu-204 airliner overshot the runway at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow.
The aircraft came to rest in a ditch between the airport fence and the adjacent M3 highway.
Of those on board, five were killed and three others were critically injured.
Investigators examined whether technical issues or poor weather conditions contributed to the accident.
Emergency responders worked in freezing temperatures to rescue survivors and secure the scene.
The crash raised questions about operational and maintenance standards for regional carriers.
2012
Tupolev Tu-204
crashes in a ditch
M3 highway
Vnukovo International Airport
2013day.year
Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffers a massive head injury while skiing in the French Alps.
On December 29, 2013, seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffered a severe head injury during a skiing accident in the French Alps.
Michael Schumacher was skiing off-piste in the French Alps when he fell and hit his head on a rock, causing a traumatic brain injury. He underwent immediate surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma. The accident prompted a global outpouring of support from the racing community and sparked discussions about helmet safety and mountain rescue protocols. His family maintained strict privacy during his rehabilitation, sharing only occasional updates on his progress. Schumacher’s condition stabilized over time, and although he did not return to public life, his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history remains undiminished.
Formula One
champion
Michael Schumacher
2020day.year
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits near the town of Petrinja in Sisak-Moslavina County, Croatia, killing seven people.
On December 29, 2020, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Petrinja in central Croatia, resulting in seven fatalities.
The powerful tremor rocked the town of Petrinja just before dawn, toppling historic buildings and triggering widespread panic. Search and rescue teams worked through the night amid aftershocks to locate survivors under collapsed debris. Local hospitals were overwhelmed by the injured, prompting international offers of medical assistance. The quake highlighted the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and led to renewed efforts to retrofit older structures. Communities united to provide shelter and resources, setting the stage for a long-term rebuilding and preparedness campaign.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake
Petrinja
Sisak-Moslavina County
Croatia
2024day.year
Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashes into a wall in Muan, South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 occupants. It is the worst aircraft accident on South Korean soil in history.
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed into a wall while landing in Muan, South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people on board.
Jeju Air Flight 2216, operating from Jeju to Muan, encountered difficulties during its final approach and collided with a perimeter wall at Muan Airport. The impact triggered a massive fireball and severe structural damage, resulting in 179 deaths and only two survivors. As the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history, the crash sparked national mourning and intense scrutiny of aviation safety standards. Authorities launched an immediate investigation to identify potential mechanical failures and procedural lapses. The tragedy led to calls for upgraded airport infrastructure, enhanced pilot training, and stricter oversight of domestic carriers to prevent similar catastrophes.
2024
Jeju Air Flight 2216
Muan
South Korea