February 09

In the early hours of February 9, 1971, the Sylmar earthquake, registering between 6.5 and 6.7 on the moment magnitude scale, jolted the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. The quake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme), toppling freeways, collapsing buildings, and triggering widespread fires. At least 64 people lost their lives, and over 2,000 were injured as homes and infrastructure crumbled under the powerful tremors. Rescue efforts were hampered by blocked roads and damaged communication lines, highlighting vulnerabilities in urban disaster preparedness. The disaster prompted major reforms in California’s earthquake safety codes and infrastructure design. Memorials in Sylmar and surrounding communities continue to honor the resilience of residents in the quake’s aftermath.

On February 9, 1976, Aeroflot Flight 3739 attempted to depart Irkutsk Airport en route to Chita. The Tupolev Tu-104 encountered a suspected engine failure and veered off the runway during the takeoff roll. The aircraft crashed, caught fire, and resulted in the deaths of 24 passengers and crew. Investigators pointed to maintenance shortcomings and design limitations of the early jet airliner. The tragedy highlighted safety issues within the Soviet civil aviation fleet and led to strengthened inspection protocols.

On February 9, 1982, Japan Air Lines Flight 350, a Boeing 747, crashed into Tokyo Bay during approach to Haneda Airport. Investigations revealed the pilot attempted a mass murder-suicide by manipulating the aircraft's controls. The flight crew struggled to regain control, but the plane struck the water and then collided with a breakwater. Of the 174 people on board, 24 lost their lives. The incident prompted major overhauls in airline psychiatric screening and crisis cockpit protocols within Japan Air Lines and the wider industry.

On February 9, 2001, the USS Greeneville performed an emergency surfacing maneuver during a civilian tour and accidentally rammed the Japanese fishery high-school training ship Ehime Maru. The collision opened a breach in the Ehime Maru's hull, causing it to sink rapidly. Nine crew members of the Japanese vessel lost their lives while others were rescued by nearby ships and helicopters. The incident prompted investigations into submarine safety procedures and civilian participation in naval operations. The U.S. Navy issued formal apologies and paid compensation to the victims and their families. Repairs to the Greeneville were estimated at two million dollars.

In February 2016, two regional passenger trains collided head-on on a single-track section near Bad Aibling in Bavaria. The crash resulted in twelve fatalities and more than eighty passengers were injured. Emergency services and rescue teams from across the region responded quickly, securing the site and aiding the wounded. Investigators later identified a human error in the signalling process as a crucial factor in the accident. The collision led to a nationwide review of rail safety protocols and accelerated modernization of signalling systems. Communities held memorials to honor the victims and support those affected by the tragedy.