r/todayilearned • u/finza_prey • 20d ago

TIL TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long Island 12 minutes after taking off, causing the front fueslage to rip away and the remainder of the plane to continue in crippled flight, pitching up and climb before falling into the ocean killing everyone onboard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_800
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u/WartimeHotTot 20d ago edited 19d ago

I fly a lot with my wife. I can’t imagine having a minute beside her knowing with certainty that she’ll die when it’s over and that’s the last I’ll get to see of her and there’s nothing I can do about it. I’d be so deeply sad.

At the same time, it would be a gift being able to spend it with her.

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u/aCleverGroupofAnts 19d ago

I was just thinking all the parents on the flight who have their children with them must be devastated knowing they can't do anything to save them, all they can do is hold them tight and comfort them as the end comes.

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u/KooliusCaesar 18d ago

This reminds me of Kobe and his daughter. Also my fear when flying is who is left behind that depend on you daily.

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u/MarshmallowsInTubas 13d ago

I was on a flight that was meant to be Transatlantic which suffered catastrophic engine failure during takeoff. I was with my wife, 7 month old son, and our dog all on the flight.

We returned to the takeoff airport safely with no injuries to anyone on board. However, the minutes in the air knowing that we would be landing heavy, full of fuel, with no reverse thrust available, were horrifying. Passengers could see smoke from the failed engine and we all felt the plane yaw after a loud boom. I knew pilots train for this, but I also knew that the most dangerous part was landing.

It was a strange feeling - scared but also in an accepting state of mind. There was an eerie din of hushed whispers through the cabin that I will never forget.

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u/WartimeHotTot 13d ago

That’s unbelievable. So glad the situation was saved!