Air Florida Crash Source Bing.com
The Story of Air Florida Crash
The Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-200, was scheduled to fly from Washington National Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on January 13, 1982. The plane crashed into the 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the Potomac River, killing 78 people on board and four people on the bridge. It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.
Air Florida Crash Bridge Source Bing.com
The cause of the crash was determined to be the accumulation of ice on the wings, which resulted in loss of lift and ultimately caused the plane to stall. The crew failed to recognize the ice buildup and did not properly de-ice the plane before takeoff.
The Movie Adaptation
In 1984, a TV movie adaptation of the Air Florida Crash was aired on ABC. It was titled “Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac” and starred Richard Masur, as the captain of the ill-fated flight, along with a star-studded cast of actors.
Flight 90 Disaster On The Potomac Source Bing.com
The movie depicted the events leading up to the crash, including the harrowing moments when the plane hit the bridge and crashed into the icy waters of the Potomac River. It also showed the heroic efforts of the rescue teams who risked their lives to save the survivors.
The Cast and Crew
The movie was directed by Robert Michael Lewis and written by Jim and John Thomas. It starred Richard Masur as Captain Larry Wheaton, who struggled to save the plane as it descended towards the bridge. Other notable cast members included Tom Bosley, who played the National Transportation Safety Board chairman, and Pamela Bellwood, who played a passenger on the doomed flight.
Flight 90 Disaster On The Potomac Cast Source Bing.com
“Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac” was critically acclaimed for its accurate portrayal of the events and the bravery of the rescue teams. It is considered to be one of the most memorable and poignant TV movies of its time.
The Legacy
The Air Florida Crash was a tragic event that shook the aviation industry and led to new safety regulations and procedures. The disaster also highlighted the importance of proper training and communication between the flight crew and ground personnel.
Air Florida Crash Memorial Source Bing.com
Today, a memorial to the victims stands in Washington D.C.’s Gravelly Point Park, overlooking the Potomac River. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy and the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others.
Conclusion
The Air Florida Crash was a tragic event that had a profound impact on American aviation history. The TV movie adaptation, “Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac,” accurately depicted the events and the bravery of the rescue teams. Today, the memorial serves as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations and procedures in the aviation industry.
