July 17 marks the 15th anniversary of TWA flight 800, which crashed in the waters near New York's JFK International airport only minutes after takeoff, killing all 230 passengers on board. The accident resulted in an investigation and a full-scale rebuild of the aircraft from its remains.
Here is a look at some of the world's worst aviation accidents that claimed lives, yet changed procedures in the industry to help make airline travel safer.
Nov. 12, 2001, Belle Harbor, Queens, N.Y.
Shortly after the devastating loss in the airline-related terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, an Airbus A-300 headed to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from New York's JFK International Airport crashed in a populated neighborhood in Queens. Five people on the ground and all 260 on board were killed. With terrorism fears still running high from the 911 attacks, and airport security measures under scrutiny, the real cause of the crash of American Airlines flight 587 was identified as a broken tail stabilizer and rudder. Months later, the NTSB addressed concerns with structural malfunctions of these parts and airlines implemented routine inspections.
Sept. 2, 1998, Nova Scotia, Canada
During a night-time flight from New York to Geneva, Swissair flight 111's pilot's identified cockpit smoke and radioed for an emergency landing. Under emergency circumstances, the aircraft's fuel was released and a landing was planned at Halifax's airport. Shortly thereafter, the flight disappeared from radar and ultimately crashed, killing all 229. Years later it was determined that faulty wiring on the MD-11 caused the fire, and flammable insulation in the aircraft's frame helped to fuel it. The finding prompted removal and replacement of insulation in hundreds of aircraft.
May 11, 1996, Florida Everglades
Taking off from the nearby Miami International Airport, Valujet flight 592, a DC-9, crashed as a result of cargo-hold fire that ultimately disabled the aircraft's vital systems. Upon investigation, mislabeled and illegal stored oxygen canisters were blamed for the accident. As a result, fire-prevention mechanisms, including smoke detectors, cargo-hold fire suppression methods, and rules on transporting of hazardous materials, were further implemented. The death of all 110 on the flight also resulted in criminal indictments and the airline's demise.
Aug. 12, 1985, Osutaka Ridge, Japan
In the air only for a short time, Japan Airlines flight 123 was headed from Tokyo International Airport to Osaka International Airport. Mechanical failures were to blame for what would become known as the deadliest single aircraft accident in history. The crash of the Boeing 747 resulted in 520 deaths and huge payouts to victims' relatives. Japan Airlines suffered from public confidence, and the crash prompted the creation of the Safety Promotion Center at Tokyo International Airport.
March 27, 1977, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Documented as the worst airline accident in history, the collision that occurred on the runway between two Boeing 747s claimed a total of 583 lives. Miscommunication between flight crews and traffic control were blamed for discrepancies in the aircraft's behavior in the fog. As KLM flight 4805 initiated takeoff, it struck an unseen Pan Am flight 1736 taxiing down the runway. The devastating crash resulted in changes in international airline communication regulations and cockpit procedures.
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