30 Years Since USAir Flight 1016 Plane Crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — July 2nd is the 30th anniversary of the USAir flight 1016 plane crash in Charlotte, NC. The plane was on its final approach to Charlotte-Douglas airport from Columbia, S.C. when it was caught in a microburst – a sudden and intense downward force of air that spreads out in all directions when it hits the ground.

The plane crashed half a mile from the runway, breaking apart as it plowed through an airport fence, collided with trees and struck a home on a residential street. It killed 37 of 52 passengers. All 5 crew members survived and no one was hurt on the ground.

The crash highlighted the dangers of microbursts, and lead to big changes in aviation safety including improvements in wind shear detection equipment and better pilot training to recognize and respond to severe weather.