American Airlines Flight 965
Steven Meyer • March 26, 2024
American Airlines Flight 965 was a tragic event in aviation history that occurred on December 20, 1995. The flight was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida, to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Colombia. Unfortunately, it ended in disaster when the aircraft, a Boeing 757-223, crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia.
The flight was operated by American Airlines, one of the largest and most well-known airlines in the world. On board were 155 passengers and 8 crew members. Among the passengers were vacationers, business travelers, and Colombian nationals returning home for the holidays.
The cause of the crash was determined to be a combination of factors, including crew error, navigational mistakes, and communication breakdowns. One of the critical factors was the crew's reliance on an outdated navigational database, which led them off course. Additionally, poor weather conditions, including heavy rain and low visibility, further complicated the situation.
As Flight 965 approached Cali, the crew became disoriented, mistakenly believing they were on the correct flight path. Tragically, they were actually flying towards the mountainous terrain surrounding the city. By the time they realized their mistake, it was too late to avoid a collision.
The crash resulted in the loss of 159 lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents involving an American carrier at the time. The incident prompted significant changes in aviation safety procedures, particularly regarding crew training, navigation systems, and communication protocols.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, investigations were conducted by both American and Colombian authorities, along with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States. These investigations highlighted various systemic failures and shortcomings that contributed to the accident.
Ultimately, the crash of American Airlines Flight 965 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of rigorous safety measures and constant vigilance in aviation. It prompted reforms and improvements in aviation safety protocols to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The memory of those who lost their lives in the crash continues to be honored, and their legacy contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance air travel safety worldwide.
Sources: FAA, Admiral Cloudberg, Aviation Safety Network, Tailstrike, Infinite Flight,
Images: Admiral Cloudberg
