TWA Flight 800

TWA Flight 800 was a commercial airplane that tragically crashed off Long Island, New York, on July 17, 1996, shortly after takeoff. All 230 people onboard died. The accident was initially suspected to be caused by a fuel tank explosion, but an extensive investigation concluded that a short circuit in the aircraft’s wiring likely triggered a spark, igniting the fuel vapors. The crash highlighted issues in aircraft maintenance and safety regulations, leading to improvements in fuel tank design and electrical system inspections. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents involving a Boeing 747.