Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 12, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 12, 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland.
Is there more to the story of Flight 1285?
Per historical accounts, the soldiers were returning from a peacekeeping deployment in Sinai, Egypt. After their plane refueled in Gander, Newfoundland, it crashed on takeoff, killing all aboard. Eight crew members brought the death total to 256.
The majority of the soldiers were from 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (air assault), known as the “Screaming Eagles.”
News coverage in the Deseret News and other media told how the soldiers were in good spirits and happy to be headed home, singing carols and purchasing gifts moments before the crash.
“Love is never wasted, love is never lost, love lives on and sees us through sorrow,” President Ronald Reagan said during a memorial service on Dec. 16, 1985, at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Routine investigations after the crash were far from routine.
In 1988, a divided commission concluded that ice on the wings of the military plane caused the crash. But, four of the nine panel members wrote a separate minority opinion saying the crash was probably caused by a fire that may have been started by an explosion aboard the plane.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration participated in the probe, but the ultimate responsibility for the report was with the nine Canadian board members. Terrorism was discounted as a possible cause.
Since then, some have suggested a bomb exploded on the plane, and one foreign magazine claimed the incident was an act of terrorism. But authorities continue to stick with the original ruling.
The community of Gander had been the sight of a tragic plane crash in 1967, so it must have seemed overwhelming to help respond to the 1985 crash.
But Gander was ready when 9/11 occurred.
When the U.S. closed its airspace soon after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, 238 planes were diverted to Canadian airports. Seventy-five of those were sent to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Gander, with its vast runways, took in 38 aircraft, according to reports.
The residents were ready, and their efforts still warm the memories of the 6,600 passengers who descended without warning on the town of 10,000. Many of them have made deep friendships with the islanders who cared for them.
A Broadway musical, “Come From Away,” tells of that moment in time when Gander was the warmest place on Earth.
Here are a selection of stories from Deseret News archives about Flight 1285 and the soldiers who lost their lives, the toll such accidents take on those who rise up in the face of tragedy, and how Gander, Newfoundland, was ready for serving others after 9/11:
“Did U.S. cover up cause of plane crash?
“Did bomb cause ‘85 plane crash in Newfoundland?
“Panel says ice on wings caused plane disaster; 4 blame crash on blast-caused fire”
“LDS chaplain and assistant cited Army service”
“Chaplains examine role in wake of air tragedy”
“Stress high at military mortuary”
“In unlikely place, the human face of 9/11″
“Theater review: Broadway’s feel-good ‘Come From Away’ out to show Canadians are nicer than us”
“Storied 101st Airborne marks 70th anniversary”
