What Happened On December 20th?
On December 20, 1995, the world was gripped by devastation as American Airlines Flight 965 crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia. The incident, which claimed the lives of 159 individuals on board, is a somber reminder of the tragic toll that aviation accidents can exact.
American Flight 965 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Miami International Airport in Florida to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Colombia. On the evening of December 20, 1995, the Boeing 757 departed from Miami with 155 passengers and a crew of eight.
Tragically, the flight ended in disaster when, during its approach to Cali, the aircraft crashed into a mountain located near Buga. The impact resulted in the loss of 159 lives, leaving only five survivors – 4 individuals and a dog in a crate.
What Was The Error?
The official investigation, conducted by both Colombian and American aviation authorities, revealed a series of critical errors and miscommunications that played a primary role in the accident.
The flight crew, encountering adverse weather conditions and navigating through unfamiliar airspace, experienced confusion over their location and altitude. Further breakdown in communication exacerbated the situation, ultimately leading to the aircraft’s collision with the mountain.
Human factors, navigation system limitations, and language barriers were identified as factors contributing to the accident. The investigation underscored the importance of addressing systemic issues within the aviation industry to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Sad Day Etched Forever In History
My condolences and prayers go out to all victims and their families who were involved with this incident. The world is grateful to have survivors, including Milagro (Miracle), the dog adopted by the Red Cross Team.
