Top 10 Plane Crashes In The World

Air travel is among the safest modes of transportation, yet some aviation disasters have left deep scars in global memory. The top 10 deadliest plane crashes in history not only resulted in tragic loss of life, but also triggered significant improvements in aviation safety standards, air traffic control, and emergency response systems.

These catastrophic incidents serve as powerful reminders of the complex interplay between technology, human error, and environmental conditions in modern aviation.

10 Deadliest Plane Crashes in History

Rank	Flight / Incident Name	Date	Location	Fatalities	Key Cause
1	Tenerife Airport Disaster	27 March 1977	Tenerife, Canary Islands	583	Runway collision in fog due to miscommunication
2	Japan Airlines Flight 123	12 August 1985	Mount Takamagahara, Japan	520	Structural failure due to faulty repair
3	Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision	12 November 1996	Near Delhi, India	349	Communication error and altitude violation
4	Saudi Flight 163	19 August 1980	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	301	Cabin fire; evacuation failure
5	Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17)	17 July 2014	Eastern Ukraine	298	Shot down by surface-to-air missile
6	Iran Air Flight 655	3 July 1988	Persian Gulf	290	Mistakenly shot down by US Navy
7	American Airlines Flight 191	25 May 1979	Chicago, USA	273	Engine separation during takeoff
8	Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie Bombing)	21 December 1988	Lockerbie, Scotland	270	Bombing (terrorist attack)
9	Air India Flight 182	23 June 1985	Atlantic Ocean (off Ireland)	329	Bomb on board (terrorism)
10	EgyptAir Flight 990	31 October 1999	Atlantic Ocean (off USA)	217	Suspected deliberate crash

1. Tenerife Airport Disaster – The Worst in Aviation History

The Tenerife disaster is the deadliest aviation accident in history. On March 27, 1977, two Boeing 747s—operated by KLM and Pan Am—collided on the runway at Los Rodeos Airport in Canary Islands, Spain. Due to dense fog and radio miscommunication, the KLM aircraft began its takeoff roll while the Pan Am jet was still taxiing. The crash killed 583 people. This incident led to profound changes in radio phraseology and air traffic coordination worldwide.

2. Japan Airlines Flight 123 – Mechanical Failure at High Altitude

On August 12, 1985, a Boeing 747SR operated by Japan Airlines crashed into Mount Takamagahara after losing control due to a ruptured rear pressure bulkhead, which was previously repaired incorrectly. With 520 fatalities, it remains the deadliest single-aircraft accident. The crash emphasized the importance of maintenance quality and structural inspections in commercial aviation.

3. Charkhi Dadri Collision – Mid-Air Tragedy Over India

A mid-air collision between a Saudi Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 on November 12, 1996, resulted in 349 deaths, making it one of the worst mid-air crashes ever. The collision occurred near Delhi and was caused by failure to maintain assigned altitude and poor communication in English. India later mandated TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) for all commercial aircraft.

4. Saudi Flight 163 – Fire on Board

On August 19, 1980, Saudi Arabian Flight 163 experienced a cargo fire shortly after takeoff. Although the aircraft landed safely at Riyadh, the crew delayed evacuation, leading to the deaths of all 301 passengers and crew due to smoke inhalation. This tragedy highlighted the critical need for quick evacuation protocols and fire suppression systems.

5. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 – War Zone Disaster

Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, by a surface-to-air missile amid military conflict. All 298 passengers and crew were killed. The incident sparked global outrage and emphasized the risks of flying over conflict zones.

6. Iran Air Flight 655 – Mistaken Identity

In one of the most controversial incidents, Iran Air Flight 655 was shot down by a US Navy missile over the Persian Gulf on July 3, 1988. The 290 lives lost included many women and children. The tragedy remains a pivotal event in discussions about military rules of engagement and civilian aircraft identification.

7. American Airlines Flight 191 – Engine Failure Catastrophe

On May 25, 1979, Flight 191 crashed just after takeoff from Chicago O’Hare due to the left engine detaching from the wing. The loss of control resulted in the deaths of 273 people. The accident led to changes in engine mounting procedures and more rigorous pre-flight inspections.

8. Pan Am Flight 103 – Lockerbie Bombing

Pan Am 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. All 270 people on the aircraft and ground were killed. This led to significant improvements in airport security checks and baggage screening technologies.

9. Air India Flight 182 – Offshore Explosion

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was bombed mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people aboard. This was the deadliest terrorist attack involving an aircraft before 9/11. Investigations revealed serious intelligence and airport security lapses, prompting global anti-terror reforms in aviation.

10. EgyptAir Flight 990 – Suspected Intentional Crash

On October 31, 1999, EgyptAir Flight 990 plunged into the Atlantic shortly after departing from New York. The cause is disputed, but US investigations pointed to deliberate actions by the co-pilot, resulting in 217 fatalities. The case raised global awareness of mental health screening for pilots.