On This Day in Aviation History

2009-12-28

On This Day in Aviation History: December 28th

More articles by »
Written by: Phil Derner Jr.

1988 – Investigators determine that Pan Am Flight 103, which had crashed a week earlier, was brought down by a bomb in the luggage hold.

1978 – United Airlines Flight 173 crashes in Portland, Oregon. The DC-8-61 (registered N8082U) aborted its landing due to a problem when attempting to drop the landing gear. While investigating the issue in a holding pattern for an hour, the cockpit crew failed to monitor the remaining fuel, of which they ran out. Ten were killed of the 189 on-board.

1968 – After a hijacking on an El Al jet in Athens the previous July, Israeli commandos execute a surprise attack on Beirut Airport, destroying 13 civilian aircraft belonging to the Lebanese carriers Middle East Airlines (former Air Liban which had merged with MEA), Trans Mediterranean Airways, and Lebanese International Airways. This temporarily cripples the Lebanese airline industry. Lebanese International Airways later merged with MEA.

1948 – An Airborne Transport DC-3 NC16002, disappears while flying to Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The aircraft had reported themselves as being 700 miles from Miami and was not heard from again, losing all 32 people on-board. This is considered to be one of the flights lost in the Bermuda Triangle.

1926 – Imperial Airways begins flying passengers and mail between England and India.



About the Author

Phil Derner Jr.
Phil Derner founded NYCAviation in 2003. A lifetime aviation enthusiast that grew up across the water from La Guardia Airport, Phil has aviation experience as a Loadmaster, Operations Controller and Flight Dispatcher. He owns and operates NYCAviation and performs duties as an aviation expert through writing, consulting, public speaking and media appearances. You can reach him by email or follow him on Twitter.




 
 

 
An Alaska Airlines 737 wearing a special livery descends on LAX, as seen from the H Overlook

Important #SpotLAX2026 Info For You!

Today marks the “unofficial start of Summer” here in the US. That means we’re just a few months away from #SpotLAX2026! As a reminder, this year’s event will be held September 18th-20th.  We have a few announcement...
by Ben Granucci
0

 
 

Mark Your Calendars for #SpotLAX2026!

Here it is, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: #SpotLAX2026 will be held September 18-20, 2026! Please note that the event will be held a week later next year than it was in 2025. As usual, we’ve once again partnered w...
by Ben Granucci
0

 

 
A Southwest Airlines 737 prepares to depart LAX as a Condor A330 lands.

#SpotLAX2025: Everything You Need To Know!

Here is everything you need to know about #SpotLAX2025. From a schedule of events to spotting locations and transportation info, it's all here.
by Ben Granucci
0

 
 

Here’s the latest news on #SpotLAX2025!

Attention planespotters! We are just over two months away from #SpotLAX2025 and we have some details for you.
by Ben Granucci
1

 
 

Exciting #SpotLAX2024 Updates!

With #SpotLAX2024 fast approaching, we have updates on the hotel room block, the 2nd annual Opening Night Rooftop Party, and more!
by Ben Granucci
0