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Today in History: Pan Am Flight 214 crashes after lightning strike

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 8, 1963, Pan Am Flight 214, a Boeing 707, crashed near Elkton, Maryland, after being struck by lightning while in a holding pattern. All 81 passengers and crew members perished in the incident, marking Pan Am's first fatal accident involving the 707, which had been in service for five years.

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Story summary

On December 8, 1963, Pan Am Flight 214, a Boeing 707, crashed near Elkton, Maryland, after being struck by lightning while in a holding pattern. All 81 passengers and crew members perished in the incident, marking Pan Am's first fatal accident involving the 707, which had been in service for five years.