04/23/2026
Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of one of America’s deadliest military air disasters of its time.
On April 22, 1966, American Flyers Airline Flight 280/D was traveling from California to Georgia, carrying 98 people: ninety-two soldiers, five crew members, and one airline employee. Many soldiers were en route to their final airborne training before deployment to Vietnam.
As the aircraft approached Ardmore Municipal Airport to refuel, tragedy struck. The pilot, who had a history of coronary insufficiency, became incapacitated in the final moments of the flight. With no time for the first officer to react, the aircraft descended rapidly and crashed into the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains.
The impact was devastating. Though eighteen passengers initially survived, three later succumbed to their injuries. First responders encountered heartbreaking scenes, with survivors severely burned and still strapped in their seats.
In the days that followed, temporary morgues were established throughout Ardmore, and Army National Guard members worked tirelessly to recover victims and debris.
Today, we remember the lives lost, the lives forever changed, and the community that came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
To honor their memories, we invite you to visit our exhibit at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. Artifacts from this event are on permanent display in our Military Memorial Museum.
By remembering, we ensure these stories are never lost.
