Archive · 13 Dec 2025
1985 US Plane Crash Kills 258
On December 13, 1985, a plane carrying 250 US soldiers and 8 crew members crashed and exploded right after taking off from Gander airport in Canada.
The plane, operated by a company called Arrow Air, was on its way back from West Asia.
Sadly, everyone on board died in the crash.
The plane had just stopped to refuel when it crashed and exploded.
It was a very sad accident.
A chartered DC-8 jetliner carrying 250 US military personnel and 8 crew members crashed and exploded near Gander airport in Canada on December 13, 1985.
The aircraft was operated by the Miami-based charter company Arrow Air and had just taken off after a refuelling stop.
All 258 people on board were killed in the crash and subsequent explosion.
The crash occurred moments after takeoff, and the plane exploded on impact.
The aircraft was en route from West Asia, bringing the military personnel home.
- Who
- 250 US military personnel and 8 crew aboard the DC-8 jetliner
- What
- A plane crash and subsequent explosion
- When
- December 13, 1985
- Where
- Near Gander airport, Canada
- Why
- The aircraft crashed moments after taking off after a refuelling stop and exploded on impact
- Date
- December 13, 1985
- Location
- Near Gander airport, Canada
- Aircraft
- Chartered DC-8 jetliner
- Operator
- Arrow Air (Miami-based charter company)
- Passengers
- 250 soldiers and 8 crew
- Casualties
- 258 (all aboard)
- Cause
- Crash and explosion after takeoff