Douglas DC-8 crash, Dec 12, 1985 (256 killed), Gander
Douglas DC-8 accident on December 12, 1985 near Gander, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada with 256 fatalities. Cause: Ice contamination on the wing...
- Date: December 12, 1985
- Aircraft: Douglas DC-8
- Location: Gander, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
- Fatalities: 256
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Ice contamination on the wing leading edges and upper surfaces, causing high drag and reduced lift, most likely led to a low-altitude stall (Canadian Aviation Safety Board). A minority of board members suggested an in-flight explosion.
Arrow Air Douglas DC-8-63CF N950JW was on a charter from Gander to Campbell Army Airfield carrying 248 US Army soldiers and 8 crew. It crashed and burned about half a mile off the end of runway 22 during takeoff, and all 256 aboard died.