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Today in History: Mid-air sabotage kills seven on United flight

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

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On October 10 1933, United Airlines Flight 23, a Boeing 247, was destroyed by an on-board explosive device, marking the first proven sabotage of a commercial airliner. The aircraft crashed near Chesterton, Indiana, killing all three crew members and four passengers. Eyewitnesses reported a blast at about 9 p.m., and the plane fell from roughly 1,000 feet.

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Story summary

On October 10 1933, United Airlines Flight 23, a Boeing 247, was destroyed by an on-board explosive device, marking the first proven sabotage of a commercial airliner. The aircraft crashed near Chesterton, Indiana, killing all three crew members and four passengers. Eyewitnesses reported a blast at about 9 p.m., and the plane fell from roughly 1,000 feet.