Plane Crashes That Changed the Skies Forever

Flying along the Pacific coast from Mexico to Seattle, an MD-83 developed problems with its tail stabilizer. Despite repeated efforts, the pilots could not regain proper control. The aircraft eventually nosedived into the ocean off California, killing all 88 people onboard in a crash broadcast live by news helicopters.

The investigation found that poor maintenance allowed the stabilizer jackscrew to wear out. The findings damaged Alaska Airlines’ reputation and led to stricter oversight of maintenance practices. The haunting crash of Flight 261 remains one of the most memorable U.S. airline disasters of the early 2000s.