JET CRASH IN PORTLAND ON THIS DAY IN 1978

United_Airlines_McDonnell_Douglas_DC-8
  A United Airlines Douglas DC-8-71

The Douglas DC-8 of United Airlines Flight 173, similar to above, was en route from Denver to Portland International Airport on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1978. An alarm indicating a landing gear malfunction forced the plane to circle the Portland area 
while the problem was investigated by the crew. The big jet ran out fuel within an
hour and crash landed in a sparsely populated area near 157th and East Burnside, 
killing 10 and seriously injuring 24 of the 189 passengers who were aboard the jet..

173 crash map

fl-173-crash

 

173-seats_thumb

united flight 173

fl 173 tail 

173 inst

posted by Bob Karm in AIRCRAFT,ANNIVERSARY,Aviation,DEATH,Disaster,HISTORY and have Comments (2)

2 Responses to “JET CRASH IN PORTLAND ON THIS DAY IN 1978”

  1. Hi, my name is Keith Lawrence Waetjen. My Grandfather was on this flight. He was one of the person’s who died in this crash. I was only 16 at the time. I was never told the real truth to what had happened.i was very close to my Grandfather ! His name is Raymond C. Waetjen ! What I am looking for is if any one on this flight new of him or had talked to him. In the remaining time of the flight. I was told that he changed his seat with a woman who wanted to be eather near a window or by another family member. I will give out my # so anyone who know’s something or has info, pic’s ? So on let me know. Thank You ! Keith W. 702-334-1164

  2. Dee says:

    Does anyone having any pictures of those that were deceased on this flight. Particularly a male with short darker hair wearing a dress shirt. I was only 8 but had an odd experience that same night that I still think about to this day. I am looking for closure.

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