If you grew up in Illinois or are a fan of aviation, you’ve probably heard the tragic tale of Flight 191. This American Airlines accident took place decades ago, but it is still fresh in the minds of many who witnessed it. Scroll on for the whole story.

Pilots and flight attendants still tell the tale to this day of American Airlines Flight 191, which is still known as the deadliest plane crash in U.S. history. On May 25, 1979, a plane began to take off from O'Hare like any other plane at any other time on any given day.
Wikimedia Commons/Sahmeditor
The plane was destined for Los Angeles from Chicago non-stop and carried a mix of vacationers and people bound for a conference.
flickr/James Cridland
As the plane took off down the runway that afternoon, though, air traffic control noticed something falling away from the engine and a white vapor begin to emit. As the plane took off into the sky, the left engine and pylon tore loose, flipping over the wing and crashing to the concourse.
Wikimedia Commons/TXZeiss

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Without this vital piece of machinery, the plane sustained itself in the air for about ten seconds and at about 300 feet before faltering and eventually nose-diving into the ground and killing everyone on board.
pixabay/Alexei_other
The plane crashed into an abandoned hanger at an abandoned airport site and damaged several mobile homes nearby, killing two people who were outside.
Wikipedia/Federal Aviation Administration
Many ghost stories arose after this disastrous accident. Reports of white lights, screams, and other odd sights near the crash site have come up ever since.
Wikimedia Commons/Wgfinley
The tragedy is also responsible for improved safety regulations on airlines today as well as improved standards for plane inspections.
Wikimedia Commons/SuperJet International

For more like this, check out 10 rare photos of Illinois’ past.

What else is there to know about Flight 191? Share your stories with us below in the comments.

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