1909day.year
New Zealand's worst maritime disaster of the 20th century happens when the SS Penguin, an inter-island ferry, sinks and explodes at the entrance to Wellington Harbour.
In 1909, the ferry SS Penguin sank and exploded at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, marking New Zealand's worst maritime disaster of the 20th century.
On February 12, 1909, the SS Penguin departed Picton bound for Wellington with passengers and cargo on board. Shortly after entering Wellington Harbour, a fire broke out in the engine room, rapidly spreading through the vessel. The ferry sank and then exploded, adding to the chaos and hampering rescue efforts. Official reports estimated that over 70 lives were lost in the tragedy. Survivors faced frigid waters and limited lifeboats, leading to a harrowing rescue operation. The disaster prompted a thorough investigation into marine safety standards and led to stricter regulations for passenger vessels. Memorials in Wellington honour those who perished and serve as a reminder of the event's impact on New Zealand maritime history.
SS Penguin
ferry
Wellington Harbour
1935day.year
USS Macon, one of the two largest helium-filled airships ever created, crashes into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California and sinks.
On February 12, 1935, the USS Macon, one of the largest helium-filled rigid airships ever built, crashed off the coast of California.
The USS Macon served as a flying aircraft carrier for the U.S. Navy, carrying scout planes on its flights. Stationed at San Diego, it embarked on a routine test flight when a structural failure occurred in its upper fin. The airship rapidly lost altitude and sank into the Pacific Ocean near Monterey Bay. Fortunately, most of the crew were rescued by accompanying destroyers in rough seas. The loss marked the end of the Navy's experiments with rigid airships, highlighting the challenges of lighter-than-air technology.
1935
USS Macon
helium
airships
California
1945day.year
A devastating tornado outbreak in Mississippi and Alabama kills 45 people and injures 427 others.
A devastating tornado outbreak struck Mississippi and Alabama on February 12, 1945, killing 45 people and injuring over 400.
The outbreak consisted of multiple powerful twisters that carved destructive paths across rural communities. In total, the storms claimed 45 lives and left 427 injured. Homes, farms, and public buildings were leveled, leaving hundreds homeless in the winter cold. Local emergency services and neighbors mounted relief efforts despite limited resources during wartime. This event remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the southeastern United States during the 20th century. It highlighted the need for improved weather forecasting and tornado warning systems.
1945
devastating tornado outbreak
Mississippi
Alabama
1963day.year
Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 705 crashes into the Everglades shortly after takeoff from Miami International Airport, killing all 45 people on board.
Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 705 crashed into the Florida Everglades minutes after takeoff from Miami on February 12, 1963, killing all 45 aboard.
Flight 705 encountered severe turbulence shortly after departure and experienced a sudden loss of control. The Boeing 707 dived into the swampy Everglades, leaving little wreckage visible above the marsh. Rescue operations were hampered by the remote, waterlogged terrain, delaying recovery efforts. Investigators determined that extreme weather conditions, including strong storm cells, contributed to the catastrophic structural failure. The crash prompted improvements in aircraft design, crew training for handling wake turbulence, and weather radar interpretation. It remains one of the deadliest airline accidents in Florida history and led to enhanced safety regulations in commercial aviation.
Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 705
Everglades
Miami International Airport
2002day.year
An Iran Airtour Tupolev Tu-154 crashes in the mountains outside Khorramabad, Iran while descending for a landing at Khorramabad Airport, killing 119.
On February 12, 2002, Iran Airtour Flight Tupolev Tu-154 crashed into the mountains near Khorramabad, killing 119 people.
Iran Airtour’s Tupolev Tu-154 was descending for landing at Khorramabad Airport when it crashed into mountainous terrain.
All 119 passengers and crew aboard the flight perished in the remote Zagros Mountains of western Iran.
Adverse weather conditions and pilot error were cited among probable causes.
The accident remains one of the deadliest in Iranian aviation history.
Investigations highlighted safety concerns in mountainous approaches and airline operations.
Iran Airtour
Tupolev Tu-154
crashes
Khorramabad
Khorramabad Airport
2009day.year
Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashes into a house in Clarence Center, New York while on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all on board and one on the ground.
On February 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed into a house near Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all aboard and one person on the ground.
Colgan Air Flight 3407, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, stalled on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in severe winter weather.
The aircraft struck a house in Clarence Center, New York, killing all 49 passengers, 4 crew members, and a resident on the ground.
The accident prompted widespread scrutiny of regional airline safety practices and pilot training standards.
NTSB investigators cited pilot error and inadequate stall recovery training as primary factors.
The tragedy led to reforms known as the “1,500 hour rule” to strengthen pilot qualification requirements.
2009
Colgan Air Flight 3407
Clarence Center, New York
Buffalo Niagara International Airport