Plane Crashes That Changed the Skies Forever

Moments after takeoff from Chicago O’Hare, the left engine of a DC-10 separated from the wing, damaging hydraulic lines and leading to total loss of control. The plane rolled onto its side and crashed into a nearby field, killing all 271 people onboard and two on the ground.

The accident became the deadliest aviation disaster in U.S. history. Investigators discovered improper engine maintenance as the root cause. The crash led to stricter oversight of airline maintenance practices, grounding of the DC-10 fleet until safety changes were made, and lasting changes in how airlines handle repair procedures.