At 21,000 feet the flight ran into a severe thunderstorm and violent turbulence. A lightning strike ignited a fuel tank in the right wing and a massive explosion soon followed.
All in Survival
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Captain Joseph Kittinger of the United States Air Force jumped out of a helium balloon at 102,800 feet and performed the highest, fastest and longest skydive that had ever been attempted.
Ota Benga
His extraordinary life became a flashpoint in the debates over race and evolution.
37 Days Under an Avalanche
On this date 3 survivors finally emerged from an avalanche after 37 days. It's one of the longest cases on record of anyone surviving after being buried alive in the snow.
Plunge into Hell
It was on this day that 12-year-old Todd Dobowski of Centralia, Pennsylvania fell into a hot, gaseous void caused by an underground coal fire.
Margaret's Wild Ride
The pilot gunned the engine and took off, apparently not noticing that Margaret was still attached.