Plane Crashes That Changed the Skies Forever

Landing in Little Rock, Arkansas, during a thunderstorm, the MD-82 overran the runway, crashed through a barrier, and broke apart near the river. Of the 145 people onboard, 11 were killed, including the captain, while many more were injured in the chaotic nighttime accident.

The crash was blamed on the decision to land in severe weather and mistakes made under pressure. It led to new emphasis on go-around procedures and reinforced the dangers of pushing landings in bad storms. Flight 1420 remains a stark example of weather and human error combining in tragedy.