Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105, a Douglas DC-9, crashes just after takeoff

On September 6, 1985, a major aviation disaster struck when Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105, a Douglas DC-9, tragically crashed just after takeoff from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The fatal incident claimed the lives of 31 passengers and crew on board, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the history of the Midwest United States.

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Douglas DC-9-14, a narrow-body twinjet. The DC-9, once a popular choice among many airlines, had become synonymous with reliability. It was this misconception of near-absolute safety and its subsequent reality that created an indelible mark on aviation history, making the Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 crash a case study in risk assessment and aviation safety.

The catastrophe transpired just after the DC-9 took off from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft, shortly after takeoff, appeared to falter and displayed visible issues with climbing. Unable to gain altitude, the plane crashed into a field near the airport, causing a large explosion and outbreak of fire.

Investigations into the Flight 105 crash were extensive and spearheaded by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). According to the NTSB reports, the probable cause of the incident lay in the plane’s inability to gain altitude due to a loss of power in the right engine. Despite attempts to correct its course, the pilot was unable to prevent the tragic crash.

Though devastating, this catastrophe led to a significant increase in efforts towards enhancing flight safety. The accident eventually prompted a series of inquiries, legislative changes, and discussions that reshaped safety regulations in the aviation industry. The post-crash inspections ruled out the probability of a mechanical scoreboard but instead identified that the failure to maintain adequate speed and improper takeoff procedures were the leading causes.

In the aftermath of the crash of Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105, the NTSB made several safety recommendations. These suggestions catalyzed changes in the aviation training programs. Emphasis was shifted towards rigorous and more regular pilot training, particularly focusing on emergency situations. Additionally, aviation manufacturers introduced more effective safety systems into cockpit designs to minimize the occurrence of such incidences.

Often, significant changes in safety measures follow unfortunate incidents like these. This tragic event led to more comprehensive risk assessment norms, and the sophisticated aircraft models we see today bear much of their safety regulations to such historical aviation accidents.

Today, the story of Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 is still a significant part of the tale of aviation in the United States. It is considered a standout example of the critical role that properly following safety protocols plays in ensuring the safety of every passenger aboard.

The crash, while undoubtedly tragic, led to profound changes in the aviation industry. As a result of this event, our flights today are far safer and more efficient. Each flight we board today, whether it may be across the state or across the globe, is the product of numerous safety regulations and protocols that have been developed and refined over many years.