Northwest Airlines Flight 255 facts for kids
Northwest Airlines Flight 255 was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 airplane. On August 16, 1987, at about 8:46 p.m. EDT, it crashed in Romulus, Michigan. This happened shortly after it took off from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Sadly, all six crew members and 148 passengers died in the accident. There was only one person who survived: a 4-year-old girl named Cecelia Cichan, who was seriously injured.
At the time, this was the second-deadliest aviation accident in the United States. It was also the second-deadliest crash involving the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series of planes. As of 2013, it is the fourth-deadliest in both of those groups. It is also known as the deadliest aviation accident in history where only one person survived.
The flight began at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. It was supposed to fly to MBS International Airport in Saginaw, Michigan, and then end its journey at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. The plane had planned stops in between, first at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Michigan (near Detroit) and then at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.
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What Happened to Flight 255?
Northwest Airlines Flight 255 was getting ready to leave Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. It was a busy evening, and the plane was full of passengers heading to different places. The pilots followed their usual checks before takeoff. However, during the takeoff, something went wrong. The plane struggled to gain enough height and speed. It crashed very soon after leaving the ground.
The Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-82
The airplane involved in this accident was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82. This type of plane is a twin-engine jet, meaning it has two engines. It is often used for medium-range flights, carrying many passengers. The MD-82 is part of the MD-80 series, which was a popular choice for airlines around the world. These planes are designed to be safe and reliable for air travel.
The Flight Path
Flight 255 started its journey in Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Its final destination was John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. However, it had planned stops along the way. The first stop was at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Michigan. After leaving Detroit, it was supposed to fly to Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, before continuing to California. The crash happened during the takeoff from Detroit, so the plane never made it to its next planned stop.
The Sole Survivor
Cecelia Cichan was a 4-year-old girl traveling on Flight 255. She was the only person to survive the terrible crash. She suffered serious injuries but was able to recover. Her survival was seen as a miracle given the severity of the accident. Her story became a very important part of the memory of Flight 255.
Remembering Flight 255
The crash of Flight 255 was a very sad event for many families and for the entire country. To remember those who were lost, several memorials have been built. These memorials help people to visit and pay their respects. They serve as a reminder of the lives that were taken too soon and the importance of air safety.
Images for kids
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N312RC, the aircraft involved in the accident, landing at John Wayne Airport, one year before the crash
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Flight 255 Memorial, I-94 and Middlebelt Road, Romulus, Michigan
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Northwest Flight 255 Memorial Stone at GM Proving Ground, Milford, Michigan
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Northwest Flight 255 memorial plaque in downtown Phoenix
See also
In Spanish: Vuelo 255 de Northwest Airlines para niños
