Old Skool Air Florida
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 8:33 amAIR FLORIDA
Air Florida was based out of Miami International Airport. It was formed in 1971 and started operations in 1972. Initial aircraft included the Boeing 707, later transitioning to the Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop. Air Florida's fleet would grow to include the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, Boeing 727, Boeing 737, and McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into Washington, DC's 14th Street Bridge and fell into the Potomac River shortly after taking off.
A total of 70 passengers, 4 crew, and 4 motorists on the bridge were killed. The crash of Flight 90, coupled with Air Florida's high financial leverage and reliance on foreign currency trading for profits, led the company to declare bankruptcy and cease operations on July 3, 1984.
