The Air: Death in TheSkies

THE AIR

Air pollution is not the only health hazard in the skies. The nation's overcrowded airways, already clogged by 2,600 commercial and 120,000 private aircraft, pose a more direct threat to life. Last week a single-engine Piper Cherokee, piloted by a plumber on a solo training flight, lopped off the tail section of an Allegheny Airlines DC-9 as the jetliner headed for a landing at Indianapolis' Weir Cook Airport. Eighty-three persons were killed, including the pilot of the private plane. It was the 19th time this year that two planes have collided and the 58th time since the start...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!