Boeing 707 crash, Dec 8, 1963 (81 killed), Elkton Maryland
Boeing 707 accident on December 8, 1963 near Elkton Maryland, United States with 81 fatalities. Cause: Lightning ignited the fuel and air mixture in...
- Date: December 8, 1963
- Aircraft: Boeing 707
- Location: Elkton Maryland, United States
- Fatalities: 81
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Lightning ignited the fuel and air mixture in the number 1 reserve fuel tank, causing the outer left wing to disintegrate and the aircraft to go out of control, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board.
Pan American Flight 214, a Boeing 707 121, was holding near Elkton, Maryland, awaiting an approach to Philadelphia when it was struck by lightning. Fuel vapour in a reserve tank exploded, the left outer wing disintegrated and the aircraft crashed, killing all 73 passengers and eight crew.