January 13
Air Florida Flight 90 Crashes into Potomac River
A Boeing 737 stalled shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport during a snowstorm, striking the 14th Street Bridge before plunging into the Potomac River and claiming 78 lives.
Summary
On a snowy afternoon in Washington, D.C., Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737-200 bound for Florida, took off from National Airport after prolonged ground operations in freezing conditions without proper engine anti-ice activation or wing de-icing. The aircraft stalled shortly after liftoff due to ice accumulation and thrust misreadings, striking the crowded 14th Street Bridge and plunging into the icy Potomac River. Of the 79 people aboard, only five survived the initial impact and frigid waters; four motorists on the bridge also died. The NTSB investigation later pinpointed pilot error, including failure to reject takeoff despite instrument anomalies and inadequate preflight procedures in the storm.
Context
In the early 1980s, Washington National Airport contended with frequent winter disruptions from snow and ice, operating with limited runways near the Potomac River. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 had spurred rapid growth for carriers like Air Florida, which emphasized schedule reliability amid competitive pressures.
What Happened
On January 13, 1982, Flight 90, a Boeing 737-200 registered N62AF, underwent de-icing before departure from Washington National Airport to Fort Lauderdale with a stop in Tampa. Captain Larry Wheaton and First Officer Roger Pettit, the latter at the controls, struggled to push back from the gate on the icy ramp. A powerback maneuver using engine reverse thrust failed, and the aircraft later waited nearly an hour in the taxi line as snow continued to fall.
Aftermath
The plane lifted off but struck the crowded 14th Street Bridge, hitting several vehicles, then broke through the ice into the river. Only five people aboard survived the initial crash; four motorists on the bridge died. Civilians and responders, including passenger Arland D. Williams Jr. and bystander Lenny Skutnik, assisted in rescues from the water amid difficult conditions.
Legacy
The NTSB investigation identified pilot error in failing to activate engine anti-ice systems, improper de-icing, and continuing the takeoff despite anomalies. The Federal Aviation Administration responded with mandates for enhanced de-icing procedures, crew training, and equipment standards that strengthened cold-weather operations nationwide and shaped international practices.
Why It Matters
The crash killed 78 people and exposed critical gaps in winter operations and de-icing protocols, leading to FAA mandates for improved training, equipment, and procedures that enhanced aviation safety nationwide and influenced global standards for cold-weather flights.
Related Questions
What weather conditions contributed to the crash?
A snowstorm with temperatures around 24 degrees Fahrenheit produced ice and snow accumulation on the wings and engines during ground operations.
How many people survived the crash?
Five people from the aircraft survived the impact and were rescued from the river; four motorists on the bridge also died.
What role did de-icing play in the accident?
Improper de-icing mixtures and failure to activate the aircraft's engine anti-ice systems allowed ice to build up, leading to inaccurate engine readings and reduced lift.
Who were key figures in the rescue efforts?
Passenger Arland D. Williams Jr. passed lifelines to others before drowning, and bystander Lenny Skutnik swam into the water to save a survivor.
What safety changes followed the investigation?
The FAA introduced stricter de-icing requirements, improved pilot training for winter operations, and better procedures for rejecting takeoffs when anomalies occur.
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Sources
- Air Florida Flight 90, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-07-08.
- Plane crashes into Potomac River, HISTORY.com. Accessed 2026-07-08.