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MH17 shootdown to Alliance Air 7412 crash, why July 17 is a dark day in aviation history

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Sushim Mukul
Sushim MukulJul 17, 2023 | 13:45

MH17 shootdown to Alliance Air 7412 crash, why July 17 is a dark day in aviation history

The same day in 2009 saw the crash of a Cessna in Venezuela, killing three onboard. (Photo: Unsplash/DailyO)

Today's date, July 17, carries a sombre reputation in the journals of aviation safety. Throughout history, this ill-fated date has witnessed a series of catastrophic accidents, each leaving an indelible mark on the aviation industries of India and the world.

From the MH17 shootdown nine years ago, to an Alliance Air aircraft crashing in India, July 17 has, coincidentally, had a series of air tragedies.

MH17: The deadliest airliner shootdown

One of the most chilling incidents occurred on July 17, 2014, when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine's conflict zone of Donetsk Oblast, during the Russian annexation of Crimea. In the tragic incident, all 298 passengers and crew aboard the flight were killed, making it the worst airline disaster in history.

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Incidentally, it took place just four months after the disappearance of MH370.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflicts intersecting with civilian air travel, and marked the potential beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War.

TAM 3054: A Brazilian tragedy

Another harrowing disaster took place in 2007 when TAM Airlines (now LATAM) Flight 3054 crashed during landing in São Paulo, Brazil. The Airbus A320, in heavy rain, veered off the runway and collided with a warehouse, claiming the lives of all 187 people on board and 12 individuals on the ground.

This catastrophe surpassed previous incidents, becoming the deadliest aviation disaster in South America.

TWA 800: Mid-air blow

The year 1996 witnessed the blowing off of TWA Flight 800, a Boeing 747 that exploded mid-air off the coast of East Moriches, New York. The explosion tragically claimed the lives of all 230 passengers and crew on board.

Although initial speculation of a possible shootdown or bombing surfaced, subsequent investigations attributed the disaster to a short circuit igniting fuel vapours in the central fuel tank.

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Alliance Air 7412 crashing in Patna

On July 17, 2000, Alliance Air Flight 7412, a flight from Calcutta to Delhi, tragically crashed into a building in Patna during its stopover. The Boeing 737-2A8 nosedived during approach, resulting in the loss of 60 lives, including five individuals on the ground.

The official investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation determined that the crash was the result of a pilot error.

Other unfortunate incidents

Beyond these big disasters, numerous other aviation tragedies have occurred on July 17. TAM Airlines Flight 304 met a devastating end in Indonesia, and a US Marines aircraft plummeted in Florida, among others.

However, while July 17 is remembered as a dark day in aviation history, point to note is that all of these disasters taking place on the same day -- July 17 -- is purely coincidental. Any day is as safe or as unsafe for a flight, whichever way you want to look at it.

Last updated: July 17, 2023 | 13:45
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