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Today in History: Tragic Collision Claims 49 Lives in Nevada

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 21, 1958, United Airlines Flight 736, a Douglas DC-7 with 47 passengers, collided with a U.S. Air Force fighter jet over Clark County, Nevada. Both aircraft crashed from 21,000 feet into unpopulated desert terrain, killing all 49 on board. This tragedy prompted significant reforms in U.S. air traffic control and aviation safety regulations.

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Story summary

On April 21, 1958, United Airlines Flight 736, a Douglas DC-7 with 47 passengers, collided with a U.S. Air Force fighter jet over Clark County, Nevada. Both aircraft crashed from 21,000 feet into unpopulated desert terrain, killing all 49 on board. This tragedy prompted significant reforms in U.S. air traffic control and aviation safety regulations.