Eastern Air Lines Flight 537: The 1949 Crash That Killed 55 Near National Airport
At 11:46 on November 1st, 1949, a young controller kept calling: Bolivia 927, turn left. The pilot never answered. Fifty-five died.
Aviation
From the Wright Brothers’ flights at Fort Myer to the early days of National Airport, Washington has a rich aviation history. These posts dig into the planes, pilots, and airports that shaped flight in and around the capital.
Air Florida Flight 90 Tragedy: Blizzard, Heroism, and the Potomac’s Icy Waters
Explore the harrowing tale of Air Florida Flight 90’s crash into the Potomac River during Washington D.C.’s 1982 blizzard. Uncover stories of tragedy, remarkable heroism, and the city’s struggle amidst a day of unparalleled despair.
Uncovering the Historical Significance Behind This Captivating Photo from the Early 20th Century
In this captivating photo from the early 20th century, a group of men and one woman are intently watching an aerial display. Learn the story behind this snapshot and the historical context surrounding it, captured by renowned photographers Harris & Ewing.
Vintage Pan Am Ads from the Golden Age of Air Travel
A collection of vintage Pan Am advertisements from The Washington Post archives, spanning the 1960s through the 1980s, from their daily Dulles-to-London 707 service to the airline’s final years.
Hoover Field: Before the Pentagon and National Airport
There used to be an airport where the Pentagon stands today. Washington-Hoover Airport operated from 1933 to 1941, replaced by National Airport.
Glenn Martin’s Predictions for the Future of Aviation in 1953
Take a look at the predictions made by Glenn Martin in 1953 for the future of aviation. See how different today is from what he envisioned, including atomic-powered planes, helicopters, and fully automatic flight operations.
Witnessing History: Orville Wright’s Flight Record at Fort Myer in 1909
Relive the momentous event of Orville Wright’s flight record at Fort Myer in 1909 with this high-resolution image from the Library of Congress. Witness history!
Early 20th Century Flying Innovation: William Randolph Hearst, Jay Gould, and the Rex Smith Aeroplane Company
This cool old advertisement shows competition for flying innovation in the early 20th century. William Randolph Hearst offered $50,000 for a successful flight across the U.S. Learn more about Jay Gould’s $10,000 offer to the first pilot to fly at 10,000 feet and the Rex Smith Aeroplane Company founded in College Park Maryland.
The 1930 Army Blimp at the Lincoln Memorial and Captain Flood
On Lincoln’s 121st birthday, the Army landed a blimp on the Mall. The captain leading the wreath party wouldn’t make general until 1943.