August 10
2020
The 2020 Midwest Derecho
The 2020 Midwest Derecho was a fierce and unprecedented storm system that tore through the central United States, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With winds exceeding 100 mph, this massive derecho caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and agriculture, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. This story unravels the events of that fateful day and explores the storm’s devastating impact on the region. Read more
2018
2018 Horizon Air Q400 unauthorized flight and crash
On the evening of August 10, 2018, a Horizon Air Bombardier Q400 (N449QX) was taken from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport by Richard Russell, a 29‑year‑old Horizon ramp worker. The aircraft made an unauthorized flight over Puget Sound and crashed on Ketron Island, killing Russell and destroying the airplane. The event exposed airside access vulnerabilities, prompted industry reviews of badgeing and employee support, and remains a case study in insider risk and human factors. Read more
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Explore more events in August
Aug 18
Hurricane Alicia
In the sweltering summer of 1983, Texas faced the fury of Hurricane Alicia. A storm that began as a mere tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico transformed into a Category 3 hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
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Aug 13
Olympic Airways Flight 954
On August 13, 1969, Olympic Airways Flight 954 struck rising ground east‑southeast of Athens while on approach to Ellinikon International Airport. The controlled flight into terrain destroyed the aircraft and killed all on board; the accident highlighted the limits of 1960s navigation and approach procedures in Greece and contributed to later safety improvements.
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Aug 9
The Air Moorea Flight 1121 Crash
On a seemingly ordinary day in August 2007, a routine short-haul flight turned catastrophic over the turquoise waters of French Polynesia. Air Moorea Flight 1121, bound for Tahiti, crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 20 people on board. The investigation revealed a chilling tale of overlooked maintenance, leading to a series of changes in aviation safety protocols.
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