What Happened in the 1982 Potomac River Crash
On January 13, 1982, an Air Florida Boeing 737 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge and the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport. The flight was heading to Tampa, Florida, and the accident occurred during a period of heavy snow and freezing weather.
Cause and Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the crash was primarily caused by pilot error. The crew failed to activate engine anti-ice systems, leading to ice accumulation and a loss of thrust. The aircraft stalled after liftoff and could not be recovered.
Victims and Aftermath
The crash killed 78 people on board and four motorists on the bridge. Several survivors were rescued by bystanders and emergency responders in the icy river. The incident led to stricter aviation safety rules and improvements in de-icing procedures at U.S. airports.
For official details, see the NTSB accident report at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/Report.aspx?incidentId=NYC82MA010.
