This specific designation refers to a scheduled passenger flight operated by Alaska Airlines that met with a tragic end. On January 31, 1971, the Boeing 727, en route from Anchorage, Alaska, to Seattle, Washington, crashed into the waters of Puget Sound during its approach to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The accident, attributed to a malfunctioning horizontal stabilizer, resulted in the loss of all 85 passengers and seven crew members on board.
The event holds significant historical importance in the field of aviation safety. The subsequent investigation and analysis of the crash led to crucial improvements in aircraft design, maintenance procedures, and pilot training. Specifically, the tragedy highlighted the importance of improved jackscrew access and lubrication on Boeing 727 aircraft, contributing to enhanced safety standards across the industry and ultimately preventing similar incidents. The disaster also underscores the ongoing importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous advancements in aviation technology.