On August 2, 1985, Delta Air Lines Flight 191, a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, crashed while approaching Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) due to a microburst-induced wind shear. The aircraft impacted the ground over a mile short of the runway, struck a car on Texas State Highway 114, collided with two water tanks, and disintegrated. Out of the 163 occupants on board, 137 people died, and 25 others were injured.
Timeline
3:10 pm Eastern Time
Flight 191 departed from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, destined for Los Angeles International Airport with a scheduled stop at DFW. Weather forecasts indicated isolated thunderstorms in northern Texas.
5:43 pm Central Time
The Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center cleared Flight 191 to descend to 10,000 feet. By 5:54 PM, the aircraft had descended to 5,000 feet.
6:04 pm Central Time
First Officer Rudolph P. Price Jr. observed lightning from a cloud ahead. The aircraft then encountered heavy rain, but the crew maintained control.
6:05 pm Central Time
Captain Edward N. Connors warned about potential airspeed loss. Seconds later, he instructed to increase power, unaware they had entered a microburst—a severe downdraft associated with thunderstorms. Despite applying full power, the aircraft’s airspeed decreased, and a strong gust caused it to roll right.
The Ground Proximity Warning System activated, and the captain called for a go-around. The aircraft touched down in a field north of runway 17L, crossed Highway 114, struck a vehicle, hit light poles, and collided with two 4-million-gallon water tanks, leading to a massive explosion.
Crash Site and Memorial
The crash occurred on the Irving side of DFW Airport, approximately 400 yards from Texas State Highway 114. The two water tanks involved in the collision remain at the site. A memorial honoring the victims is located about two miles west at Founder’s Plaza in Grapevine, Texas.
Impact on Aviation Safety
The Flight 191 disaster led to significant advancements in aviation safety. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified the crew’s decision to fly through a thunderstorm, inadequate training on microburst avoidance, and insufficient wind shear hazard information as contributing factors. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration mandated wind shear detection systems at major airports and improved pilot training to handle such conditions. These measures have enhanced flight safety, reducing the likelihood of similar accidents.
Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by F. E. Mufute