Vesna Vulovic Survives Record Fall of 10,160 Metres in 1972 Plane Crash
What Happened?
On January 26, 1972, Vesna Vulovic survived a plane explosion over Czechoslovakia, falling 10,160 metres. She was the only survivor among 28 passengers.
Key points
- Vesna Vulovic was a flight attendant on a Yugoslav Airlines flight that broke apart due to an explosion.
- She fell from an altitude of 10,160 metres, the highest fall survived without a parachute.
- Vulovic was found alive in the wreckage with severe injuries, including a fractured skull and crushed vertebrae.
- She spent 16 months in recovery and later returned to work in a desk role.
- The cause of the explosion was never conclusively determined, and no one was arrested.
- Vulovic became a national figure in Serbia and spoke out against nationalism.
Key insights
- Vulovic's case remains a unique example of survival against overwhelming odds in aviation.
- Her story continues to inspire discussions about aviation safety and emergency preparedness.
- The unresolved nature of the bombing raises questions about aviation security protocols.
Why it matters
Vulovic's survival story highlights the extraordinary circumstances that can lead to survival in aviation disasters.
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Source
Times of India