From the Vault: News coverage from 1987 crash of flight 255 from Detroit Metro Airport

[@godblessamerica7048]

Thank you for posting this video. August 16, 1987. Northwest Airlines Flight 255. I will never forget. I have ties to this terrible day. It still brings tears to my eyes over 34 years later. At the time, this was the 2nd worst airplane accident in US history. I was stationed in Tucson, Arizona, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was a Senior airman. I served with the Englert's and knew them for three and a half years. Karen was a Staff Sargent and was the NCO (non-commission officer) in charge of my shop. Charles was in our shop when I first arrived for duty but later went into the reserves, attended college, and worked for the USPS. They were also good friends. My wife did daycare for Charles Jr. (14 months old) My wife and myself were house-sitting for them while visiting their parents back east. We were supposed to pick them up at the Tucson, Arizona airport that night. It was a beautiful day as we waited to go to the airport. That beautiful day turned into the worst day of my life when I got that phone call. Karen’s father called us, and he was concerned that they were on that airplane. Of course, we went to the airport anyway. While waiting at the Tucson Airport, we called the airline to get information. They asked if we were relatives, and I lied. I said that my wife was Karen’s sister. The airline said that they were listed as being on that flight. We waited at the Airport for the connection flight to arrive in Tucson, hoping for a miracle, but they didn’t get off the airplane. As we privately hugged and cried, a news station was filming. I’m so glad that they did not approach us. Several other people were also waiting. One couple waiting for their mother did not know about the crash. I had a copy of the local news story on VHS that a friend recorded for us, but it was destroyed in a house fire several years later. We went back to their home but didn’t get much sleep that night. In the days that followed, I was ordered to turn over the house keys to the Air Force. I was given the solemn duty of accompanying an Air Force Officer to the airport to pick up their parents so they could pack up their belongings. The Air Force Base held a memorial service. This happened three months to the day that my Air Force enlistment was ending, and I spent my remaining time in a mental fog. Last year I attended the 34th annual memorial service at the crash site in Romulus, Michigan. The first time I've ever attended one. I meet the first responders that are in this video and family members. They are the nicest people! I'm planning on attending the 35th this year. I posted a video of the memorial service two days ago, and it is in my KZbin library. May God Bless you all!

[@SissyD61]

God Bless You..

[@100Aces]

You are a SCAM

[@cindysue5474]

My husband sent her a little santaclaus that he had before he was 1 year old being 65 now if you look at the center chair in that box I think that's the Santaclaus it was put into a keepsake box from the dry clearner we worked at in phoenix and a month later a letter with a photo of her was sent to him.

[@jeromeflowers5297]

Thank you for posting this video. I remember this disaster well. The pilots got distracted which resulted in a loss of situational awareness and the taxi checklist was never performed.

[@CPTR111]

My dad was a young student at UofM during that time. He remembers the whole area being shook up (literally) by that tragic catastrophe. What a somber occasion, God rest all those innocent souls. Life is frail; never take it for granted.

[@gedhoughton9523]

(British man) Detroit, you're like a second home to me and my heart goes out to those families that are still affected to this day. I hope to one day live closer to it. Having an interest in aircraft accidents brought me here too. Rest easy for all those lost in this incident and thank goodness the young girl survived. A mighty warrior.

[@Rozebunny14]

I lived on the south side of the airport on Eureka when I was little. That was the 94 ramp we used to get on freeway often. Chilling. I remember looking out my bedroom window and praying there would be survivors. Could see the glow and smoke through the airport lights in the distance. Couldn't believe it.. Especially when we heard there was a tiny soul survivor. It hit hard. Was so heartbroken and happy for her at the same time. I was young too and couldn't imagine being told I'd never see my family again. They were literally right there with her, and then.. They weren't 😢💔💔💔 ...She's been on my heart all these years and those who perished. I never had the nerve to go to memorial🥺

[@TooChillery]

You should go

[@muffs55mercury61]

Many of those on board were headed to Phoenix , my hometown (the rest were going on to Los Angeles) 37 years later we have not forgotten this. A simple pilot error cause such carnage.

[@CruceEntertainment]

My memory of this is fading, but I recall it being a hot night. No flaps takeoff would definitely be a bad idea.

[@clarktrent8952]

I lost a classmate of 11 yrs, Kurt (frmr Dobronski) Dobron, bound for Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, on NWA flight 255 that afternoon. Kurt's life story was chronicled by a famous Detroit News writer, Mitch Albom, the author of the book and movie: Tuesdays with Morry. Rob, K., My best friend at the time, was a Civil volunteer group member who was on standby for rescue/recovery assistance, from the county. They were told, of course, that their services were unneeded, because all passengers and crew were dead, EXCEPT for little 5 yr old Cicelia Cichan, who survived, and when grown up, wrote a book and a movie called Sole Survivors. The title refers to her, and to her interviewees, all whom were the only (therefore sole) survivors of *their* accidents. Kurt, my deceased classmate, lives on in my mind. My takeaway was: never assume there's a tomorrow, do the right thing *NOW, TODAY!*

[@darkheartsartccollective]

My high school classmate, Hidi, also perished aboard this flight. 17 forever. We just graduated high school.

[@crocodile1313]

@@darkheartsartccollective I also graduated high school in 1987 and was over at old Detroit City Airport waiting to get on a flight when 255 crashed at Metro.

[@darkheartsartccollective]

@@crocodile1313 oh wow 😯

[@iambicpentameter9510]

I remember this as there was only one survivor, a little girl.

[@Beswift1989]

My dad was in high school he remembered

[@02WIFE]

I was watching channel 7 on that Sunday nite when the news report came up. I flew in June of 1987 from Metro Airport

[@smichaels10]

I was 10 years old when I heard about this. It completely scarred him and, till this day, I'm very uneasy during takeoffs.

[@pattykauth2431]

We lived less than 10 miles from DTW and felt the crash. My husband was a first responder for huron valley ambula

[@pattykauth2431]

Ambulance. When we heard of the crash, he went into work to

[@pattykauth2431]

Work but wass not needed because there was only one survivor. We still remember it like it was yesterday.

[@catlady5862]

What happened to the little girl who survived?

[@sliverofthemoon3165]

She's an adult living her life. She got a tattoo in memory of this and she's given interviews you can look her up.

[@ajorbista]

She was raised by her uncle and aunt (presumably sibling of one of the parents) in obscurity. She got married sometime after reaching adulthood. (Apparently shortly before her interview in a documentary about sole survivors)

[@angelataylor3822]

I wonder how she’s doing now

[@smichaels10]

Imagine getting on a flight the next day? No thanks. I'm staying home.

[@lindabutcher7014]

It's a shame that the sound is OFF I was late for my flight 🤐 I am always late for everything BUT THAT'S ONE TIME I'M SO HAPPY AN FEEL SO BLESSED

[@KKC70]

A whole lot of reckless speculation, and most of it wrong

[@infoff1]

When there are no facts yet to report speculation is what the television audience rewards with views.