Passengers Survive Icy River After Plane Crashed into Bridge | Real Responders

On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 attempted to take off from Washington DC’s snow-packed National Airport, only to stall and slam into the city’s 14th Street Bridge just 24 seconds after leaving the runway. In the midst of a fierce blizzard, ice had built up on the Boeing 737’s critical engine probes, cutting its thrust to 70 percent without the crew realizing it. As the plane careened into the Potomac River and sheared the roofs off cars caught on the bridge, ordinary commuters and bystanders risked their lives in frigid 34°F water, while Park Police helicopter pilot Don Usher and medic Gene Windsor fought whiteout conditions to pull survivors from the wreckage. Follow us on Facebook:   / realresponders   For all questions, please contact owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com