See a plane that landed in the water after it overshot the runway in Hawaii

Boeing 737 Cargo Plane Overshoots Runway In Southern France A Boeing 737 freighter operated by West Atlantic overshot the runway at Montpellier–Mediterranee Airport in Southern France and finished nose-down in a lake early Saturday.  Social media is a buzz this morning about the incident that has closed Montpellier Airport, on the Mediterranean coast, until further notice. A flood of images was tweeted by users showing the freighter in the water. Here are some of them:  Aircraft flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows the plane's ground speed at the time of the landing. There was noticeable slowing, but it failed to come to a complete stop at the end of the runway.  Flight safety consulting firm JACDEC said, "the aircraft landed on runway 12L (length 2600 m) at excessive speed in darkness (0250L) and under adverse weather conditions."  JACDEC pointed out that the West Atlantic plane was a Boeing 737-300F built in 1993.  Local authorities told AP three people were aboard the plane during the mishap -- none one of them sustained injuries. Rescuers pulled three people out of the Boeing 737 They were unharmed in the accident which took place before dawn today The West Atlantic plane had travelled from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Montpellier in the early hours today#Rescuers #people #Boeing #accident #place #dawn pic.twitter.com/6ey8qaSgdk — Shahryar Sultan (@Shahryar_Sultan) September 24, 2022 There was no official word on the cause of the crash, but excessive speed and weather could be factors.  Tyler Durden Sat, 09/24/2022 - 09:45.....»»

The US Navy said in a statement on Tuesday that they had to remove the aircraft's fuel first before they could recover it. The US Navy's P-8A aircraft was partially submerged in Kaneohe Bay, according to a video released by the US Navy on Tuesday.US NavyA US Navy plane found itself stranded in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, after it overshot the runway.The US Navy has released a video of the submerged P-8A aircraft. The aircraft's fuel had to be extracted before the US Navy can salvage it.Naval divers have been sent to survey a plane that got stranded on a Hawaiian coral reef after it missed the runway, according to a video released by the US Navy.The P-8A Poseidon aircraft crashed into the water on November 20 after it overshot the runway at a Marine base on Kaneohe Bay.In the video, the aircraft's turbines can be seen submerged in the water, with its wheels resting on the coral reef's surface.The US Navy said in a statement on Tuesday that all nine crewmembers on board were safely evacuated and with no injuries reported.The statement also said that the US Navy had successfully extracted all of the plane's fuel.This, according to Rear Admiral Kevin P. Lenox, was a necessary step "to minimize the risk of environmental harm in the follow-on salvage process."The US Navy said in a statement on Tuesday that they had to remove the aircraft's fuel first before they could recover it.US Navy"We estimated that the aircraft had just over 2,000 gallons of fuel on board and the team extracted all the fuel that would come out. The process was completed successfully without any fuel being released into the bay," Lenox said.The US Navy said in its statement that it would release more information about the salvaging process in due course.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

US Navy Spy Plane Overshoots Runway Into Waters Off Hawaii A US Navy reconnaissance jet overshot a runway and ended up in the waters off the Hawaiian island of Oahu on Monday.  Local media outlet Hawaii News Now reported that the aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, which was conducting a "routine training" exercise at the time.  U.S Navy P-8A Poseidon overruns the runway and ends up in the water while landing at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/OSrWJts6xO — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 21, 2023 Aircraft expert Peter Forman told the media outlet that the runway at the Marine base on Kaneohe Bay is smaller. He said winds might have played a factor: "The pilot probably didn't put the plane down exactly where he wanted to on the runway," Forman said. "It's probably a combination of all those factors put together." Aviation navigation website Foreflight provides a diagram of the runway. It's unclear which runway, "04" or "22," was assigned to the P-8 Poseidon by the tower at the time of the incident.  National Weather Service shows visibility was around one mile at the time (afternoon Monday) of the incident, with wind gusts up to 21 mph. Here are the current conditions: Marine Corps spokesperson 1st Lt. Hailey Harms told CNN that all nine souls on board survived.  "I'm so glad that everyone was rescued and survived the crash. But I think someone needs to take a look at the impact the plane is doing to our marine life. There is jet fluel, anti-freeze and other toxins," Kahaluu resident Jonee Kaina said. Tyler Durden Tue, 11/21/2023 - 07:20.....»»

The British Airways flight from London to Belfast was was due to depart at 1.15 p.m. but did not take off until 8.53 p.m., data from FlightRadar24 showed. Poor weather conditions and fuel issues caused a seven-hour delay to a British Airways flight.Robert AlexanderPassengers delayed on the tarmac for seven hours were given a bag of pretzels instead of a meal.A passenger on board the plane told Belfast Live that the experience was "horrible." British Airways told the outlet there was limited food because of the closure of a cargo tunnel.Airline passengers who were left on the tarmac for seven hours received a small bag of pretzels instead of a meal while they waited.The British Airways flight from Heathrow airport in London to Belfast was delayed on Monday because of weather conditions and fuel issues, local outlet Belfast Live reported. The plane, which landed in Belfast just before 10 p.m., was due to depart at 1.15 p.m. but did not take off until 8.53 p.m., data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed.One passenger, Gary Bell, told Belfast Live that the experience was "absolutely horrible."Speaking from the plane on Monday, Bell said the only food British Airways had offered the grounded passengers was a small bag of pretzels and a complimentary drink.He said: "The only food we were given was a small bag of pretzels, there are tired, screaming kids everywhere."Bell added that the plane had to change pilots because of the length of the hold-up, further delaying the flight.Representatives for British Airways did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. The airline told Belfast Live that the passengers were only offered the snack during the delay "due to the unexpected closure of a cargo tunnel at Heathrow Airport."The recent closure of the tunnel, which links the cargo terminal area with terminal four, was related to a safety issue, Air Cargo News reported.This was not the first time passengers have had to deal with long delays on the tarmac with very little to eat.In the summer, United Airlines passengers en route to Rome suffered a similar delay on the runway at Newark International Airport. One business-class passenger told Insider it felt like being taken "hostage" and flight attendants didn't serve food and provided very little water.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The US Air Force has been looking at "every single piece of concrete in the Pacific" to find new runways. Now it's going to check out the beaches too. Air National Guard special tactics airmen in an MH-6M helicopter unloaded from a MC-130J during an exercise on a Wyoming highway in May.US Air National Guard/Master Sgt. Phil Speck The growing reach of the Chinese military has the US Air Force worried about its bases. In response, it's training more often at remote airfields and on alternative runways, like highways. Air Force special operators are widening the search, seeking more roads and even beaches to land on. US Air Force Special Operations Command is widening its search for runways as it seeks to counter what the US military sees as China's growing ability to threaten its bases across the Pacific.The Air Force as a whole is working to expand the number of places where it can land and launch aircraft as part of Agile Combat Employment, an approach to dispersed operations developed with the Pacific in mind.US airmen have used remote airfields in the Pacific and civilian highways in the US and Europe for ACE-related exercises, and US air commandos are now looking for more highways and soon for beaches on which to do those missions, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the head of Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Force component of US Special Operations Command, said this month.The efforts are an "acknowledgement that our adversaries have watched the American way of war for several decades and they are going to hold our initial staging bases and our forward operating bases at risk" in a war, Bauernfeind told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Association conference near Washington, DC, on September 12.US, Japanese, and Australian airmen with a US C-130J during an exercise on Tinian in February 2018.US Air Force/Airman 1st Class Christopher QuailAs the Air Force looks to increase the resiliency of its basing in response to that challenge, it is pursuing "runway-agnostic options" out of recognition that "we cannot always rely on Bagram or Kandahar or Balad or Al Udeid in the future," Bauernfeind said in response to a question from Insider, referring to major bases used by the US during its wars in the Middle East.The search for runways has ramped up in recent years. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of US Air Forces in the Pacific, said in late 2020 that his command had "studied every single piece of concrete in the Pacific" to find viable airfields.Since then, US airmen have trained more often in places like Tinian, an unincorporated US territory, and Palau, an island country that has a defense partnership with the US. Highway landings are also increasingly common, including first-of-their-kind landings by piloted aircraft on highways in northern Michigan and the first landing of a drone on a US highway in Wyoming.An adversary that can deny the use of one base "is going to have a nearly impossible time trying to defend every single linear mile of roads," the deputy mission commander of the Wyoming exercise said afterward.A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper in a dirt landing zone during training Texas in June.US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alysa CalvareseBauernfeind said his command has been returning to the "tactics, techniques, and procedures to find out where all of the 3,000-foot straight highways in the world" are and recently demonstrated a "C-130 seizing a 3,000-foot strip on a Wyoming highway, calling in an F-35 and an MQ-9 and fueling both and then launching them on follow-on missions."Some US Air Force aircraft also have the ability to land on non-paved surfaces, and Air Force special operators have added drones to that category, landing an MQ-9 on a dirt runway for the first time during an exercise in June.Bauernfeind said his command is now looking "at the ability for beach landings," noting that US aircraft have landed on beaches in Europe in the past. Other militaries still use that option. The British air force has landed cargo aircraft on beaches several times in recent years, including a June exercise with an Atlas A400M airlifter."We'll work with our engineering teammates to understand if the engineering in the Pacific beaches, can that enable us to do similar-type capabilities like we have done in the European theater?" Bauernfeind said. "We don't know yet, but we're getting the engineers looking at it, because there's a lot of 3,000-foot straight beaches that we could bring our C-130s and CV-22s in to."A Royal Air Force Atlas A400M lands on a beach during at Pembrey Sands in Wales in June 2023.Royal Air ForceNew technology and eventually new aircraft are also helping to expand Air Force Special Operations Command's "runway-agnostic options."Airmen have for years been testing their ability to launch and recover MQ-9 drones, which are in high demand for reconnaissance missions, using satellite communications. Air Force officials say that capability allows the MQ-9s to go to more bases and reduces the number of airmen needed for support.Bauernfeind said the use of automatic takeoff and landing with satellite communications in one combat theater "has extended on-station time by over 35%.""Automatic takeoff and landing capability has been around for quite a while, and we made the decision that we're going to accelerate and get out of the takeoff and landing business" and use automation, Bauernfeind told reporters, adding that doing so "is vastly increasing our combat capability."An illustration of an MC-130J with an amphibious modification.US Air Force Special Operations CommandBauernfeind said his command is working with DARPA "to develop a high-speed vertical-takeoff-and-lift capability," which may eventually replace its CV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft, and continuing to work on modifying an MC-130, its workhorse cargo plane, to land on water.Many militaries gave up their amphibious aircraft decades ago, but they are receiving more interest amid growing focus on the Pacific. In September 2021, Air Force Special Operations Command announced plans to increase the "runway independence and expeditionary capacity" of the MC-130J by developing an amphibious modification in a rapid prototyping effort.Two years on, officials are still evaluating their approach. A US special-operations official said in May that the service was doing tests and feasibility studies and looking to demonstrate "the full capability" in two to three years.The command has "an MC-130 amphibious craft that is still in engineering development," Bauernfeind said. "We're still continuing to resource it. It is a tough challenge, but we have to continue to understand that."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

A Korean Air plane sustained damage when it landed at Mactan-Cebu Airport in the Philippines during heavy rain. No one was injured. Korean Air flight KE631 overshot the runway during its third landing attempt.Associated Press A Korean Air plane was heavily damaged after it overshot the runway while trying to land. The plane had previously attempted to land twice, a spokesperson told Insider. None of the 162 passengers and 11 crew members were hurt. The Airline has apologized for the incident. A plane was heavily damaged after it overshot the runway while trying to land in poor weather conditions on Sunday. The incident involved a Korean Air plane and took place at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. The plane was attempting to land for the third time when it overran the runway, a spokesperson for the airline told Insider. The spokesperson declined to comment further beyond a statement it posted on the airline's website on Monday.The underbelly of the Boeing A330 was sheared away and the plane came to rest, nose-down, in a grassy area. Pictures shared by the Associated Press show large holes in the nose of the aircraft and appear to show damage to at least one of the plane's engines.  The plane's engines were also damaged.Associated PressThere were no reports of injuries among the 162 passengers and 11 crew members on Korean Air flight KE631. They were able to escape using the inflatable emergency slides. Korean Air's president Woo Kee-Hong apologized for the incident in the website statement."A thorough investigation will be performed together with the local aviation authorities and Korean authorities to determine the cause(s) of this event," he said. The incident happened during heavy rain at 11:11 p.m. local time, Mactan-Cebu International Airport said in a statement on its official Facebook page in the early hours of Monday morning.The runway has been temporarily closed to enable the safe removal of the aircraft, and all domestic and international flights are canceled until further notice, the airport said. In a later post, the airport said that runway operation would temporarily reopen between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. local time for departures only. Mactan-Cebu International Airport did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment, which came outside of standard business hours. It's the second incident involving a Korean Air flight that has made headlines in recent months.On September 28, the left winglet of Korean Air flight 908 clipped the tail of an Icelandair plane while it was taxing to the runway at London's Heathrow Airport. No one was hurt in the minor collision. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Ethiopian Airlines said the crew "have been removed from operation" and "appropriate corrective action will be taken" after an investigation. Ethiopian Airlines said it's investigating the incident.Thierry Monasse / Getty Images An Ethiopian flight missed its descent into a major airport because the pilots reportedly fell asleep. Ethiopian said it's investigating the incident, which was reported by The Aviation Herald. An Ethiopian spokesperson told Insider the flight's crew had been removed from operations. An Ethiopian Airlines flight missed its descent into a major airport because the pilots fell asleep, The Aviation Herald reported.The Boeing 737-800 failed to descend towards Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia on August 15, ultimately overshooting the runway at altitude until autopilot disconnected and sounded a warning siren, per The Aviation Herald.An Ethiopian Airlines spokesperson declined to comment to Insider on whether the pilots had fallen asleep, but said an investigation into the incident had begun.The spokesperson said: "We have received a report which indicates Ethiopian flight number ET343 en route from Khartoum to Addis Ababa temporarily lost communication with Addis Ababa Air Traffic Control on 15 August 2022. The flight later landed safely after communication was restored."The spokesperson continued: "The concerned crew have been removed from operation pending further investigation. Appropriate corrective action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. Safety has always been and will continue to be our first priority."According to The Aviation Herald, the pilots failed to respond to multiple communication requests from air traffic control, but were woken by the autopilot's "disconnect wailer" after the aircraft overshot the runway.Data from FlightAware, the plane-tracking service, shows the flight overshot the runway at Addis Ababa before briefly picking up speed and making a 25-minute-long descent into the airport.The Boeing 737-800 hit an altitude of around 37,000 feet on the near-2-hour journey between Khartoum International Airport in Sudan and Addis Ababa. Pilot fatigue has been reported by an increasing number of whistleblowers from several airlines, as pilot shortages combined with a summer upsurge in travel demand puts pressure on crews.In May, La Repubblica reported a similar incident in which it said both pilots had fallen asleep on a flight between New York and Rome, with both unreachable for just over 10 minutes.Insider reported in July that regulators were investigating Wizz Air after its CEO encouraged pilots to fly more hours, while airline staff told CNN that sickness and fatigue levels had gone "through the roof" as travel chaos built up over recent months.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

My ticket may have only cost around $35 but the low fares can sometimes be too cheap to be true, as thousands of Spirit flyers found over the summer. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Spirit Airlines in August canceled thousands of flights after extreme weather impacted its operation, impacting its reputation for cheap on-time flights. The event highlighted the risks of booking with an ultra-low-cost carrier, which may recover slower than larger carriers. Even with the risks, Spirit still manages to attract flyers that are price-focused with fares lower than $35 one-way for cross-country travel. See more stories on Insider's business page. Spirit Airlines is one of the US's leading budget carriers, known for cheap flights with no frills that make air travel more accessible to the masses. A Spirit Airlines aircraft. Thiago B Trevisan/Shutterstock But over the summer, Spirit briefly became known for delayed and canceled flights. Extreme weather led to thousands of Spirit flight cancellations over the course of a week, seriously impacting the airline's reputation for on-time performance. Passengers wait in line at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter at Orlando International Airport on the sixth day the airline has cancelled hundreds of flights. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Here's how Spirit's week-long meltdown started in August  The event highlighted the risk that can come with booking through an ultra-low-cost carrier. Specifically, travelers on these airlines may have less recourse when things go wrong, such as a lack of backup flights on a given route. Spirit Airlines passengers. VIAVAL TOURS/Shutterstock Spirit provided stranded customers with $50 vouchers and limited rebooking options during its August meltdown. Airlines like Spirit also don't commonly partner with other airlines, preventing them from rebooking disrupted passengers onto a different carrier. A Spirit Airlines plane at Los Angeles International Airport. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Those risks usually entice me to book flights on full-services carriers over budget airlines. But I couldn't resist the challenge when I saw the fare on a cross-country flight was only $34.57 on Spirit for a recent flight home. Flying on a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider I flew Spirit Airlines home from Santa Ana, California to Newark after a work trip to California. Here’s what it was like. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider My transcontinental journey started dark and early with a 7 a.m. flight from Orange Country's John Wayne Airport. The first leg of my trip consisted of a short hop to Las Vegas, where I'd connect to a non-stop flight to Newark. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider As per tradition when I book flights on ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, I didn't purchase any extras and let fate decide my experience. All I had with me was an overnight bag and a ticket to ride. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Here's how I navigate flights on ultra-low-cost airlines like Frontier Airlines and Breeze Airways. This would be the longest journey on Spirit at seven hours and 12 minutes from start to finish. I can't say I wasn't tempted to pre-pay for window seats, which started at $10 for the shorter flight and increased to $13 for the longer one. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Nevertheless, I stuck to my faith in the system and was rewarded with a choice of two window seats at check-in. Both were towards the back of the plane but I saved $25 by not pre-paying. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Tickets in hand, I went to the security checkpoint that was luckily empty at the ripe hour of 5 a.m. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Flying time to Las Vegas was a brief 44 minutes and I wasn't concerned at all with this leg of the journey. The route is among the shortest in Spirit's network and there's not much I can't put up with for 44 minutes on an airplane. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Boarding began in groups around 30 minutes prior to departure. Travelers that purchase extras like a carry-on bag or early boarded, as well as Spirit credit cardholders, are given the first two zones and board first. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I was given zone three and still boarded relatively early. But this also wasn't a full flight. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Spirit's newest fleet type, the Airbus A320neo, was operating the flight to Las Vegas. This was the second time I was getting to fly on the jet for Spirit as it took me to Boston in 2020. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Here's what it was like flying from Newark to Boston for $25 on Spirit Airlines A total of 182 seats comprise the all-economy class cabin spanning 31 rows in the standard 3-3 configuration for an A320neo. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Source: SeatGuru The first two rows, however, house "big front seats" that are essential business class-style recliners without the business class perks. These seats offer 36 inches of pitch and 20 inches of width, with a wide center console and adjustable headrests. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider There are no additional perks besides a larger seat with extra legroom but it did look comfortable. Upgrade bids for this seat started at $26 for the Santa Ana-Las Vegas flight and $31 for Las Vegas-Newark. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Regular economy seats offer 28 inches of pitch and 17.75 inches of width. It's a tight fit and the seats are remarkably thin. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider There are no adjustable headrests, seat-back entertainment systems, in-seat power outlets, or even seat-back pockets. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider A small literature holder acted as a makeshift seat-back pocket that just barely fit my iPhone. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Seat storage isn't Spirit's strong suit and putting a bag under the seat would only serve to further reduce legroom. That said, I didn't immediately feel too crammed into the seat, even as a larger traveler. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider But these were all things for which I was prepared. I had downloaded entertainment to my phone ahead of time and packed a portable charger. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider The only thing I forgot was a travel pillow to make up for the lack of a proper headrest. Other than that, the "deluxe leather" seats seemed to be comfortable enough for a cross-country journey. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I was also lucky enough to have the row to myself and feeling good that I didn't pay for a seat assignment. It didn't get better than this. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider And where Spirit lacked in frills, it made up for in on-time performance on this short hop to Sin City. We pushed back to the gate a remarkable six minutes early and made our way to the runway. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider We started our takeoff roll just after 7 a.m. and I could rest easy that the airline's troubles over the summer weren't going to affect this flight. Though, I still had one more flight to go. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider The A320neo's performance capabilities truly shined on takeoff as we climbed incredibly quickly over Orange County. John Wayne Airport is known for complex departure procedures to keep noise levels down, and the A320neo handled it quite well. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Plus, the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan engines were incredibly quiet on takeoff and throughout the flight. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Flight attendants quickly began the in-flight service once we reached our cruising altitude of 23,000 feet. Flight attendants walked around taking orders instead of rolling out the trolley, given the short duration of the flight. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Nothing is free on Spirit, not even water, but the prices were reasonable for what was on offer. Passengers could choose from combos or standalone purchases. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines Tea was $2 per cup while coffee and hot chocolate were $3 per cup. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines Soft drinks and bottled water were $3 each. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines Servings of beer and liquor started at $8, comparable to what a beer costs in New York City, and cocktails were available for between $9 and $11. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines Snacks then started a $3, with snack boxes increasing to $8. The pricing was comparable to what I've seen on other airlines. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines But for this short flight, I decided to wait and have a proper breakfast once we landed in Las Vegas. I wasn't alone as not many of my fellow passengers placed orders. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider So far, I was holding to my initial fare of $34.57 and no more. We began our descent into Las Vegas shortly after flight attendants finished taking orders. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Seeing the Mandalay Bay marked the end of my Spirit journey's first leg. Next came a layover of one hour and four minutes before the flight time to Newark. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Deplaning occurred as normal with no change to that procedure. Flying Spirit felt like flying during pre-pandemic times, as more and more airlines are getting back to the normal swing of things. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider McCarran International Airport didn't have too much to offer for breakfast in the Spirit terminal. Moe's Southwest Grill, Siegel's Bagelmania, and Starbucks Coffee provided the only real breakfast options so I bought two bagels since I still had a long way to go until Newark. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider The flight time to Newark was scheduled for five hours and two minutes. And as luck would have it, I was going to be flying on the same exact plane that brought me to Las Vegas. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider This flight was markedly more crowded, however, with nearly every seat filling up. Boarding once again began around 30 minutes prior to departure and one gate agent was tasked with scanning boarding passes and checking passengers' bags. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Multiple people were taken off the line for having bags that were too large. This gate agent wasn't playing around. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I was able to board with no issues thanks to my overnight bag, saving what would have been a $60 fee had my bag been larger in size. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider The familiar yellow and black A320neo greeted me once more and I got ready for the longest flight of my life on an ultra-low-cost carrier. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider This time I was in the second to last row with a seat assignment of 30A. I was way in the back but still had a window seat so I couldn't complain. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider And this seat actually had a window. Row 31, the last row, does not have any windows. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Boarding went smoothly and those that were forced to check their bags, or pay the carry-on fee, soon filed onto the plane. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Once again, we pushed back from the gate and departed on time. I rested easy knowing I wouldn't be stranded in Las Vegas and that I might even get home early if the tailwinds were strong enough. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I was also happy that I didn't spring for the $13 seat assignment fee as I had scored a window seat in a row with no middle seat. I couldn't have asked for a better assignment, compliments of Spirit. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Flight attendants started the in-flight service and brought around a trolley this time. I once again declined, having eaten in the airport. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider The next few hours would be somewhat challenging. I didn't sleep on the flight to Las Vegas and needed to get some rest. But I've never slept well when flying on ultra-low-cost airlines. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I finally managed to get two hours of sleep, taking off a good chunk of the flight. It wasn't a good sleep, and I really should've brought a pillow. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I knew I was home free once we crossed the mighty Mississippi River, and that there would be no more than around two and a half hours until touchdown in Newark. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Flight attendants came around for the final service and I couldn't help but indulge since I had a long journey home from Newark airport to my house on Long Island, New York. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider I purchased the $11 snack box and drink combo that came with almonds, Brownie Brittle, Craisins, crackers, and smoked gouda cheese. It was a typical airline snack box and I enjoyed every bite. The total cost of my $34.57 Spirit ticket was now $35.57. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider As there were no forms of in-flight WiFi or entertainment onboard, I had to rely on the old-fashioned method of using landmarks to gauge our location the rest of the way. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was the first marker, soon followed by Lake Michigan. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Next came Detroit, letting me know that there was no more than an hour and 30 minutes left of flying time. Our descent started around an hour later, marking the final stages of a long cross-country journey. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Overall, it wasn't the most comfortable flight of my life but it was more than bearable, and I couldn't complain given the $35 airfare. For comparison, $35 isn't even enough to fill up my car with gas with current $3 per gallon gas prices in New York. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider But as with anything that seems too cheap to be true, I was taking a risk when choosing Spirit. The airline's focus on improving its on-time performance in recent years has mitigated that risk but it still remains. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider We actually landed in Newark ahead of schedule. Next came the hardest part of the flight, getting home from Newark airport. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The United States Medal of Honor, the highest military distinction, is awarded to recognize extraordinary acts of valor. Of the more than 41 million people who have ever served in the U.S. military over the nation’s history, about 3,500 were awarded the Medal of Honor, exhibiting heroism, selflessness, devotion, and going above and beyond the […] The post The Most Legendary Medal of Honor Winner in Every State appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.. The United States Medal of Honor, the highest military distinction, is awarded to recognize extraordinary acts of valor. Of the more than 41 million people who have ever served in the U.S. military over the nation’s history, about 3,500 were awarded the Medal of Honor, exhibiting heroism, selflessness, devotion, and going above and beyond the call of duty. (Here is every medal and ribbon the U.S. military awards, ranked.) 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the Congressional Medal of Honor Society‘s database of recipients throughout history to identify the most impressive recipient attributed to each state. It should be noted that for a recipient to be attributed to a certain state, they did not need to be born in that state, but rather enlist there. Information about the recipient and the number of total medals attributed to the state also came from the CMOHS database. The recipient’s rank is the rank at the time of action the medal was awarded. Nineteen men received two medals for actions in different wars, and many are listed as the most impressive in their state. Others on the list made major breakthroughs, such as the first Black American or the first and only woman. (Here are the most decorated war heroes in American history.) Considered the “Greatest Civilian Soldier” during World War I, Alvin York originally sought exemption from service as a conscientious objector but would later go on to serve and become a legend. Hailing from Tennessee, York was drafted into the U.S. Army. At the front lines of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, outnumbered, he took 35 German machine gun nests out of action and captured 132 enemy soldiers. York’s story would go on to be told on the silver screen, and the New York Times would herald him as “the war’s biggest hero.” Another conscientious objector achieved greatness in World War II. Desmond Doss, hailing from Virginia, refused to bear arms due to his faith and served as a medic in the Battle of Okinawa. Doss’s story is different from many, embodying his philosophy of self-sacrifice. At Hacksaw Ridge and under relentless enemy fire, he rushed into danger to save at least 75 lives in a single day. His story would go on to be told in the Oscar-winning film Hacksaw Ridge. Alvin York and Desmond Doss are a testament to the Medal of Honor’s legacy of valor and sacrifice and there are many more recipients with similar stories of heroism and courage.  Here is a look at the most impressive Medal of Honor Recipient in every state. Alabama: William Robert Lawley Jr. Rank: First Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Air Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 21 — 18th fewest 1st Lt. William Robert Lawley, a B-17 pilot, was flying over enemy-occupied Europe on Feb. 20, 1944. Despite being seriously wounded, having a crippled plane, and losing his copilot, Lawley managed to evade enemy fighters, control an engine fire, and make a successful crash landing. He did this to save two severely wounded crewmembers, refusing to abandon them despite the risk and his own exhaustion. Alaska: None Rank: War during which medal was earned: Military branch: Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 0 — the fewest Alaska has no Medal of Honor recipients. Arizona: John Henry Pruitt Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: World War I Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 14 — 13th fewest A veteran of the 6th Marine Regiment in WWI, Cpl. John Pruitt is remembered for his remarkable courage during the Battles of Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, and Blanc Mont Ridge. He captured an enemy machine gun and 40 prisoners single-handedly before dying from enemy shell fire, earning him three Silver Stars and posthumous Medals of Honor from both the Army and Navy. Arkansas: James Richard Hendrix Rank: Private War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 11 — 10th fewest On Dec. 26, 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, Pvt. James Richard Hendrix, compelled to surrender from two artillery gun crews, took out hostile machine guns under heavy fire to aid wounded comrades and risked his life through enemy sniper fire and exploding mines to rescue a soldier from a burning vehicle. California: Ty Michael Carter Rank: Specialist War during which medal was earned: War On Terrorism (Afghanistan) Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 138 — 6th most During combat in Afghanistan in 2009, Spc. Ty M. Carter displayed extraordinary heroism. Despite personal risk, he repeatedly braved enemy fire to resupply ammunition, single-handedly defend a vulnerable position with only his M4 carbine rifle, and rescue a critically wounded comrade. He repeatedly moved into enemy fire to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. His actions were pivotal in protecting Combat Outpost Keating from capture and saving multiple lives. Colorado: Drew Dennis Dix Rank: Staff Sergeant War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 23 — 21st fewest As a unit adviser to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, Staff Sergeant Drew Dennis Dix played a critical role in defending the city of Chau Phu from two Viet Cong battalions. Dix led multiple rescue missions under intense conditions, saving a nurse and eight civilian employees. Under relentless enemy fire, he rescued two Filipinos and cleared the city’s hotel, theater, and other buildings. His actions inspired local soldiers to join the fight, leading to 14 Viet Cong being shot down and 20 more captured, including a high-ranking official. Dix helped rescue 14 civilians and captured 20 prisoners and 15 weapons. Connecticut: John A Chapman Rank: Technical Sergeant War during which medal was earned: War On Terrorism (Afghanistan) Military branch: U.S. Air Force Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 56 — 14th most On March 4, 2002, during a mission in Takur Ghar, Afghanistan, Tech. Sgt. John A. Chapman demonstrated exceptional bravery. Voluntarily reinserting into enemy territory to rescue a teammate, he fearlessly assaulted two enemy bunkers under intense fire, moving uphill through deep snow, ultimately succumbing to his wounds. Delaware: James Phillip Connor Rank: Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 13 — 11th fewest On Aug. 15, 1944, Sgt. James Phillip Connor led his platoon in overcoming a numerically superior enemy at Cape Cavalaire, during the southern France amphibious landing. Despite being seriously wounded three times, he refused medical aid, personally eliminated threats, and inspired his depleted platoon to complete their mission, taking out seven enemies and capturing 40 more, seizing key material, and securing all of the platoon’s assigned objectives. Florida: Robert Ronald Ingram Rank: Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Navy Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 23 — 22nd fewest On March 28, 1966, in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Ronald Ingram of the U.S. Marines displayed exceptional bravery under fire from more than 100 North Vietnam Aggressors. Despite being wounded four times, he tirelessly provided medical aid to his fellow Marines during an intense firefight with the NVA. His selfless actions, risking his life beyond the call of duty, saved many lives. Georgia: Joe Madison Jackson Rank: Lieutenant Colonel War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Air Force Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 22 — 20th fewest As a C-123 pilot during a rescue mission, for which he volunteered, Lt. Col. Joe Madison Jackson displayed exceptional bravery at the special forces camp at Kham Duc. Despite heavy enemy fire, hazardous conditions, and rapidly deteriorating weather, he courageously landed his aircraft in the hostile area to rescue a three-man Air Force Combat Control Team, under constant, intense enemy fire. During the operation, a rocket landed in the nose of the aircraft but did not explode. Hawaii: Daniel K Inouye Rank: First Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 7 — 5th fewest 2nd Lt. (then 1st Lt.) Daniel K. Inouye demonstrated extraordinary heroism during an attack in San Terenzo, Italy on April 21, 1945. Despite being wounded, he led his platoon through intense enemy fire and personally neutralized several enemy positions. His leadership and bravery resulted in the capture of a strategic ridge and the defeat of 25 enemy soldiers. Idaho: David Bruce Bleak Rank: Sergeant War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 10 — 9th fewest Despite intense enemy fire, Sgt. David Bruce Bleak, a medical aidman, treated wounded comrades, eliminated enemy soldiers in close combat, including with his bare hands, and shielded a fellow soldier from a grenade blast. While wounded himself, he was carrying a wounded soldier downhill when attacked by two enemies with fixed bayonets. He staved off the attack by knocking the two soldiers’ heads together. Illinois: Vito R Bertoldo Rank: Master Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 207 — 5th most Demonstrating exceptional bravery in a 48-hour defense against a vastly larger enemy force, Master Sgt. Vito R Bertoldo maintained posts despite severe exposure to enemy fire. Using a machine gun and grenades, he thwarted numerous attacks, personally eliminated at least 40 enemy soldiers, and facilitated the withdrawal of his comrades. During the fight, Bertoldo was blown across the room twice, first by an 88mm shell and then by a tank shell from just 50 yards away. Both times he immediately got up and returned to his post. Indiana: Richard Nott Antrim Rank: Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Navy Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 74 — 12th most In April 1942, Cmdr. (then Lt.) Richard Nott Antrim demonstrated extraordinary courage as a prisoner of war in Macassar, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies. Witnessing a brutal beating of a fellow naval officer by a Japanese guard, Antrim intervened, offering to take the remainder of the punishment. His courageous act not only saved a fellow officer and improved camp conditions but also earned him widespread respect from both the captors and his fellow prisoners. Iowa: Junior Dean Edwards Rank: Sergeant First Class War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 54 — 15th most Sgt. 1st Class Junior Dean Edwards of Company E repeatedly, and on his own, charged enemy machine gun positions and neutralized them with grenades, despite intense enemy fire. Even though he was mortally wounded in his third assault, his heroic actions allowed his platoon to recapture and hold a strategic position. Kansas: Henry Hogan Rank: Private War during which medal was earned: World War I Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 28 — 24th fewest Pvt. Henry Hogan, an Irish-born soldier in Company G, 5th U.S. Infantry, was awarded two Medals of Honor for gallantry. The first was for actions at Cedar Creek, Montana (1876-1877), with limited details in the citation besides “gallantry in action.” The second was awarded after Hogan rescued the severely wounded Lt. Henry Romeyn, himself a Medal of Honor recipient, under heavy gunfire at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana. Hogan is one of three Medal of Honor recipients to save another recipient’s life. Kentucky: Mary Edwards Walker Rank: Contract Surgeon War during which medal was earned: U.S. Civil War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 43 — 21st most The only woman to receive the Medal of Honor was Dr. Mary E. Walker, who served as a voluntary field surgeon for the Union Army during the Civil War. She provided critical medical aid to both sides, enduring hardships as a contract surgeon and spending four months as a prisoner of war. President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor in 1865. Louisiana: Jefferson Joseph Deblanc Rank: Captain War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 24 — 23rd fewest Capt. Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc earned his medal on Jan. 31, 1943, with Marine Fighting Squadron 112, during aerial operations against Japanese forces off Kolombangara Island. Despite facing a much larger Japanese force and sustaining severe damage to his aircraft, Deblanc successfully escorted dive bombers, disrupted enemy attacks, and shot down five enemy planes, including three Zeros, before being forced to bail out over enemy waters. Maine: Gary Ivan Gordon Rank: Master Sergeant War during which medal was earned: Somalia (Operation Restore Hope) Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 66 — 13th most Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon, a U.S. Army sniper team leader, demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the 1993 Task Force Ranger mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. His actions were recreated in the film Black Hawk Down. Despite intense enemy fire, he volunteered to protect critically wounded personnel at a crash site. Gordon fought through enemy lines, established a perimeter, and continued defending the crew until his ammunition was depleted and he was fatally wounded. Maryland: Patrick Mullen Rank: Boatswain’s Mate War during which medal was earned: U.S. Civil War Military branch: U.S. Navy Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 83 — 9th most Irish-born boatswain’s Mate Patrick Mullen earned two Medals of Honor in 1865. On March 17, during a boating expedition, Mullen’s howitzer fire dispersed enemy soldiers. Then, on May 1, he saved a drowning officer, hurling himself into the water to rescue his shipmate on the USS Don. Massachusetts: William Harvey Carney, Civil War Rank: Sergeant War during which medal was earned: U.S. Civil War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 265 — 3rd most The first Black American Medal of Honor recipient was Sgt. William Harvey Carney. He was born into slavery in Virginia but found freedom in Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Union Army’s 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, memorialized in the film “Glory,” one of the first Black American military units. During the assault on Fort Wagner, Carney took hold of the Union flag after the original bearer fell. Despite sustaining injuries and the regiment’s retreat, he held onto the flag throughout the conflict. Recognized for his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor in 1900. Michigan: Thomas Ward Custer Rank: Second Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: U.S. Civil War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 109 — 7th most 2nd Lt. Thomas Ward Custer, a Civil War soldier, was the first to earn two Medals of Honor. His initial honor was for leading a successful cavalry charge at the Battle of Namozine Church, where he captured a Confederate flag and took 14 prisoners. Days later, at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, he once more captured a Confederate flag after breaking a Confederate line. Despite being shot in the face, he managed to seize the flag and present it to his brother. Custer, along with his two brothers, died in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. Minnesota: Leo Keith Thorsness Rank: Major War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Air Force Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 46 — 19th most During a suppression mission over North Vietnam, Lt. Col. (then Maj.) Leo Keith Thorsness, piloting an F-105 aircraft, silenced two missile sites. His wingman was shot down, and while keeping sight of the crew’s parachutes, he destroyed a MIG-17. Despite low fuel, Thorsness returned to the scene, and faced four MIG-17s, damaging one and driving the rest away. He then landed at a forward operating base, allowing the low on fuel aircraft fuel to refuel safely. Mississippi: Van Thomas Barfoot Rank: Technical Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 18 — 15th fewest In Carano, Italy, on May 23, 1944, 2nd Lt. (then Tech. Sgt.) Van Thomas Barfoot single-handedly took out two machine gun nests with grenades and his Thompson submachine gun and captured 17 prisoners. He then organized a counterattack, firing on three tanks with a bazooka from 75 yards, disabling one. Despite extreme fatigue, he then helped carry two wounded comrades 1,700 yards to safety. Missouri: Willy F James Jr. Rank: Private First Class War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 78 — 10th most On April 7, 1945, during an assault in Lippoldsberg, Germany, Pvt. 1st Class Willy F. James Jr. was in the forward position on a scouting mission. He exposed himself to intense enemy fire to observe and report on enemy positions, making his way over 200 yards of open terrain. Using the important information he acquired, he volunteered to lead a squad assault on a key building. Later, James Jr. again risked his life to aid his fallen platoon leader and unfortunately was fatally shot in the process. Montana: Leo J Powers Rank: Private First Class War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 8 — 7th fewest On Feb. 3, 1944, Pfc. Leo J Powers’ company was tasked with capturing Hill 175 near Cassino, Italy. The enemy, around 50-strong, defended the location with machine guns and mortars, causing eight casualties and halting the company’s advance. Powers, acting alone, used hand grenades to neutralize three enemy pillboxes, which allowed his company to advance. His actions led to the capture of several enemy soldiers and greatly contributed to his regiment’s ability to progress into the city of Cassino. Nebraska: Charles Chris Hagemeister Rank: Specialist Fourth Class War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 20 — 16th fewest When his platoon was ambushed, Spc. 4th Class Charles Chris Hagemeister rushed through enemy fire to provide medical aid to his fallen comrades, single-handedly neutralizing a threatening sniper and taking out an enemy machine gun. Unable to retreat, he secured additional help and evacuated the wounded, all while under continuous enemy fire. Nevada: Bruce Avery Van Voorhis Rank: Lieutenant Commander War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Navy Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 2 — 2nd fewest During the Solomon Islands battle, Lt. Cmdr. Bruce Avery Van Voorhis, Bombing Squadron 102’s leader, took off in total darkness and flew 700 miles without fighter escort, destroying key enemy installations and aircraft. Giving up on returning home, Van Voorhis continued to attack enemy targets on his own, making six ground-level bombing runs, destroying a radio station, installations, anti-aircraft guns and crews, before, caught in his own bomb blast, his plane crashed and he lost his life. New Hampshire: Chris Carr Rank: Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 36 — 22nd most Sgt. Chris Carr led a unit of Company L, facilitating their approach toward Casoni di Romagna. When encountering resistance, he advanced alone to disable enemy positions. He captured eight enemy soldiers at the first position and one at the second. Moving on, he neutralized a third position, resulting in the surrender of all four defenders. He then approached a high ground with two machine gun nests, destroying the first and causing the immediate surrender of the second. His actions resulted in the capture of five positions, eight enemy combatants shot down, and 22 prisoners. New Jersey: John “Manila John” Basilone Rank: Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 94 — 8th most Sgt. John Basilone, AKA “Manila John,” earned his medal during the 1942 Guadalcanal campaign. This was depicted in the HBO series “The Pacific.” Leading two sections of heavy machine guns, he repelled an overwhelming Japanese assault. Despite being under heavy fire and with ammunition running low, Basilone maneuvered through enemy lines to retrieve vital machine gun ammo, and he is credited with effectively defeating an entire Japanese regiment. Basilone would reenlist and tragically lose his life on the first day of the Iwo Jima invasion. New Mexico: Hiroshi Miyamura Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 9 — 8th fewest On the night of April 24, 1951, Cpl. Hiroshi Miyamura, of Company H, engaged the enemy in close combat. Despite dwindling ammunition and severe injuries, he stood firm, ensuring his squad’s safe withdrawal. Miyamura subsequently operated a second gun and single-handedly held his position against a large number of enemy soldiers. He is credited with taking out more than 50 enemy soldiers. New York: William Bradford Turner Rank: First Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: World War I Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 672 — the most During an attack under heavy fire, First Lt. William Bradford Turner led a small detachment separated from the main company. He single-handedly neutralized an enemy machine gun crew using his pistol, then advanced to a second post, disabling it with his group’s assistance. Despite being wounded three times, he led his men across three enemy trenches, taking down everyone in his path. After running out of pistol ammunition, he picked up a fallen soldier’s rifle and took out another machine gun crew. Upon reaching the fourth trench, their objective, Turner and his nine remaining men captured it, holding their position until they were eventually surrounded and Turner lost his life. North Carolina: Bryant Homer Womack Rank: Private War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 20 — 17th fewest Pfc. Bryant Homer Womack served as the sole medical aid on a night patrol when a larger enemy force attacked, causing multiple casualties. Despite sustaining serious injuries from enemy fire, Womack prioritized treating his comrades. Struck by enemy mortar, he lost his right arm but continued instructing others in first-aid, refusing help for himself. He was the last to withdraw, collapsing from blood loss and losing his life while being carried by his comrades. North Dakota: Woodrow Wilson Keeble Rank: Master Sergeant War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 17 — 14th fewest Acting platoon leader in Company G, 19th Infantry, Master Sgt. Woodrow W. Keeble, participated in an attack on Hill 765 near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on Oct. 20, 1951. In the face of heavy enemy fire from fortified positions, Keeble individually neutralized three enemy emplacements using grenades. Despite incoming enemy fire and grenades, he continued to advance and provide accurate fire against nearby trenches. His actions helped Company G successfully advance and capture their objective. Ohio: Charles Joseph Berry Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 254 — 4th most During the Iwo Jima invasion, on March 3, 1945, Cpl. Charles Joseph Berry was serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. At the front lines, the Japanese attacked at midnight. In a hand-grenade exchange, an enemy grenade landed in his foxhole. Berry dove onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion, which resulted in severe injuries to himself but protected his fellow marines. Oklahoma: Bennie G Adkins Rank: Sergeant First Class War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 22 — 19th fewest During combat operations at Camp A Shau, Vietnam, from March 9 to 12, 1966, Sgt. 1st Class Bennie G. Adkins operated a mortar position, aided wounded soldiers, retrieved supplies, and evaded enemy forces — all while sustaining 18 different wounds. It is estimated he was responsible for the deaths of between 135 and 175 enemy combatants, using machine guns, recoilless rifles, small arms, mortars, and hand grenades. Oregon: Arthur Junior Jackson Rank: Private First Class War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 13 — 12th fewest On Sept. 18, 1944, Pfc. Arthur Junior Jackson was serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, against Japanese forces on Peleliu. Under intense enemy fire, he advanced ahead of American lines, blowing up a large pillbox housing about 35 Japanese soldiers using explosives and grenades. Undeterred by the continuous fire, he then proceeded to take out two smaller positions nearby. He is credited for taking out 12 pillboxes and 50 enemy soldiers. Pennsylvania: Robert Earl Laws Rank: Staff Sergeant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 380 — 2nd most Staff Sgt. Robert Earl Laws led an assault squad from Company G against a well-armed Japanese infantry on a hill. Despite a narrow 70-yard ridge and enemy fire, Laws reached and disabled an enemy pillbox with grenades. Even after sustaining injuries from enemy grenades and TNT, he continued to lead an attack against enemy riflemen. In a physical altercation with an enemy soldier, Laws ended up with a gash on his head. He was given first aid and evacuated, while his squad completed the mission. Rhode Island: David Bernard Champagne Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: Korean War Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 31 — 25th fewest Cpl. David Bernard Champagne acted as a fire team leader for Company A, advancing against a heavily defended hill. Despite being injured, he remained with his team, refusing evacuation. Amidst an intensified counterattack, he intercepted a hostile grenade, causing the loss of his hand and his displacement from the trench. He was subsequently fatally wounded by enemy mortar fire. His actions likely saved several marines. South Carolina: William Kyle Carpenter Rank: Lance Corporal War during which medal was earned: War On Terrorism (Afghanistan) Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 32 — 24th most On Nov. 21, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom, Lance Cpl. William Kyle Carpenter, an automatic rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, was stationed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His platoon, a coalition force that included two Marine squads and an Afghan National Army squad, had established Patrol Base Dakota in the Marjah District. During a daylight attack, a grenade landed in Carpenter’s sandbagged position. He moved toward the grenade, severely injuring himself in the blast, but his actions prevented injury to a fellow Marine. South Dakota: Arlo Laverne Olson Rank: Captain War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 3 — 3rd fewest Capt. Arlo Laverne Olson led a 30-mile advance through enemy territory on Oct. 13, 1943. Undeterred by point-blank gunfire, he navigated a raging river, neutralized enemy positions, and led his company to the opposite bank. Over 13 days, he spearheaded combat patrols, maintained constant contact with the enemy, and led an audacious attack on a fortified position. Despite being mortally wounded, he ensured his men were strategically positioned before accepting medical aid. Tennessee: Alvin Cullum York Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: World War I Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 32 — 23rd most Before his military service, Sgt. Alvin York was known in his hometown of Pall Mall, Tennessee, for his skills as a marksman, honed through hunting to support his family. Despite initial reservations due to his religious beliefs, he served in the U.S. Army during WWI and was instrumental in capturing 132 German soldiers in October 1918. At one point, he faced and took down a group of five Germans and was left unscathed. After the war, York used his fame and funds from a movie about his life to educate youth in his home community. Texas: Roy Perez Benavidez Rank: Staff Sergeant War during which medal was earned: Vietnam War Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 76 — 11th most On May 2, 1968, while Staff Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez was in Loc Ninh, Vietnam, a 12-man special forces team requested extraction after meeting heavy resistance, but the helicopters also met heavy fire and returned to base. Benavidez boarded a returning aircraft to assist in the extraction. Despite being wounded repeatedly, he facilitated the extraction of the team, secured classified documents, provided medical aid, and coordinated air strikes. His actions resulted in the safe return of eight men. Utah: George Taro “Joe” Sakato Rank: Private War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 5 — 6th fewest On hill 617 near Biffontaine, France in October 1944, Pvt. George T. Sakato led a successful charge against enemy strongpoints under heavy enemy fire, inspiring his platoon with his courage and relentless tactics. He personally, using a P-38 pistol and an enemy rifle, neutralized multiple German strong points, dispatching 12 enemies, wounding two, and capturing four, as he aided his platoon in taking numerous prisoners. His actions turned a potential defeat into a victory. Vermont: Lawson Paterson “Red” Ramage Rank: Commander War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Navy Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 47 — 18th most While leading the USS. Parche on July 31, 1944, Submarine Cmdr. Lawson Paterson Ramage executed a daring pre-dawn assault on a heavily guarded Japanese convoy. He penetrated the convoy’s defenses, inflicted severe damage on several vessels, and caused chaos amid the enemy’s ranks. Despite facing intense enemy fire, he skillfully navigated his submarine clear of a potential collision with an incoming transport, all while managing to land decisive hits on it. This relentless 46-minute encounter concluded with the Parche and its crew victorious and unscathed while sinking four ships. Virginia: Desmond Thomas Doss Rank: Private First Class War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 50 — 17th most Pvt. 1st Class Desmond Thomas Doss, a devout Seventh-Day Adventist, was a conscientious objector who refused to carry a rifle. During the 1st Battalion’s attack on a 400-foot escarpment, Doss, a company aidman, stayed amid heavy artillery and gunfire to help injured soldiers, even when others retreated. He at one point rescued 75 injured men by lowering them from the escarpment. His actions were captured in the film “Hacksaw Ridge.” Washington: Robert Eugene Bush Rank: Hospital Apprentice First Class War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Naval Reserve Force Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 31 — 25th most On May 2, 1945, during the conflict with Japanese forces on Okinawa Jima, Hospital Apprentice 1st Class Robert Eugene Bush tended to the wounded amid enemy machine guns, mortar, and artillery fire. During a fierce counterattack, despite losing an eye and being seriously wounded, he managed to hold off the enemy, taking down six combatants and safeguarding a wounded marine officer. Ignoring his own critical condition, he prioritized others’ care over his own. West Virginia: Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams Rank: Corporal War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 45 — 20th most On Feb. 23, 1945, demolition sergeant Cpl. Hershel Woodrow Williams served with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Volunteering his services, he worked for four hours under high enemy fire to clear a path for the infantry through concrete pillboxes, mines, and volcanic sands. He repeatedly returned to his lines to prepare demolition charges and service flamethrowers, which he used to take out enemy positions. This effort contributed significantly to his company reaching its objective. Wisconsin: Richard Ira Bong Rank: Major War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Air Corps Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 50 — 16th most Also known as the “Ace of Aces,” Maj. Richard Ira Bong was a top American fighter pilot during WWII, credited with downing 40 enemy aircraft. His remarkable achievement marks him as one of the most successful pilots of his time. In 1944, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, a fellow medal recipient whose medal is also attributed to Wisconsin. Wyoming: Vernon Joseph Baker Rank: First Lieutenant War during which medal was earned: World War II Military branch: U.S. Army Medal of honor recipients attributed to state: 3 — 4th fewest On April 5 and 6, 1945, First Lt. Vernon J. Baker led his platoon towards Castle Aghinolfi, a German stronghold. He neutralized two observation post occupants and a machine gun crew, forcing a concealed dugout’s occupants to surrender. Amidst heavy enemy fire, he covered the withdrawal of injured soldiers and eliminated three machine gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout. Baker led a battalion advance through enemy territory the following night. His actions accounted for nine dispatched enemy soldiers and the dismantling of significant enemy positions. Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free. Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions. The post The Most Legendary Medal of Honor Winner in Every State appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.......»»

US Navy plane removed from Hawaii bay after it overshot runway. Coral damage remains to be seen.....»»

US Navy releases underwater footage of plane that overshot a runway floating above Hawaii reef.....»»

US Navy removes fuel from plane that overshot Hawaii runway and is now resting on a reef and sand.....»»

US Navy to discuss removing plane from environmentally sensitive Hawaii bay after it overshot runway.....»»

Flight data recorder recovered from US Navy plane that overshot the runway near Honolulu.....»»

For over a decade, Boeing and Airbus aircraft have regularly ferried scientists, athelets, and deep-pocket tourists to Antarctica's barren landscape. Large Boeing and Airbus jetliners have been landing on Antarctica's icy runways for over a decade.IcelandairEvery year, hundreds of scientists, athletes, and tourists travel to Antarctica on passenger jetliners.These planes land on rugged, unpaved runways mostly made of blue ice and compacted snow.Norse Atlantic Airways recently landed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on there in a world first.Antarctic aviation dates back to 1928 when famed Australian military pilot George Hubert Wilkins flew a tiny Lockheed Vega 1 monoplane across 1,000 miles of previously uncharted white desert.After nearly 100 years of exploration and innovation, jet-powered passenger airplanes now ferry hundreds of people like scientists, athletes, and deep-pocket vacationers to and from Antarctica each year.These aircraft land on one of the several unpaved runways scattered across the continent, which are typically made of hard blue ice or compacted snow.The landing strips — combined with the barren landscape's infamously harsh weather conditions and lack of infrastructure — make flying in Antarctica particularly challenging.Still, operators have successfully landed planes as big as the Airbus A340 on the seventh continent.Here are nine passenger airliners that have flown to Antarctica, where, and who they flew:Skytraders' Airbus A319An A319 operated by Skytraders in Antarctica.Glenn Jacobson/Australian Antarctic ProgramOperated by Australian airline Skytraders on behalf of the Australian Antarctic Program, long-ranged Airbus A319 aircraft have operated regular service to and from Antarctica since 2007, carrying passengers and cargo.The first mission was from Christchurch, New Zealand, to the US Antarctic base at McMurdo. And the jet didn't arrive empty-handed as it carried 3,000 pounds of mail and parcels onboard to deliver to the station.According to AAP, the successful operation demonstrated commercial aircraft could efficiently handle the extreme conditions of Antarctica.Today, the service typically originates in the city of Hobart on Australia's island state of Tasmania and lands on a glacial ice runway called the Wilkins Aerodrome — a six-and-a-half-hour flight.PrivatAir's Boeing 737 and Smartwings' Boeing 737 MAXA Smartwings 737 MAX on Antarctica in January 2022.SmartwingsCommissioned by the Norwegian Polar Institute, Swiss airline PrivatAir landed a Boeing 737 for the first time in Antarctica in 2012, journeying about six hours from Cape Town, South Africa, to Troll research station.NPI is Norway's government institute for researching, mapping, and monitoring the Earth's Arctic and Antarctic regions.Similar to AAP, the goal of PrivatAir's historic 737 landing was to prove that an airliner could be a better option for ferrying researchers to the continent — particularly those from NPI who are regulars to Antarctica.PrivatAir's Boeing 737s returned to the white continent a handful of times as resupply missions for NPI before the company ceased operations in 2018.Boeing's latest 737 variant has also made an appearance in the world's southern-most continent.In January 2022, NPI tapped Czech airline Smartwings to charter its scientists to Antarctica — and for the first time, a 737 MAX landed at Troll.Loftleider Icelandic Airlines' and Titan Airways' Boeing 757Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions based a Boeing 757 Chile to fly tourists to Antarctica.Tim Hewette/ALEIn 2015, Icelandair Group's charter subsidiary Loftleider Icelandic Airlines landed an extended-range Boeing 757 passenger jet at Union Glacier in Antarctica.It was the first time the jet type landed on one of the continent's blue ice runways.The historic flight, ferrying 60 tourists from Chile in business class seats on behalf of transport company Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, was another demonstration of the viability of commercial jets in Antarctica.A Loftleider Icelandic 757 also flew to the seventh continent twice in 2021 to ferry scientists at the start and end of the Antarctic summer season. Another Loftleider 757 is set to ferry Antarctic Ice Marathon runners to Union Glacier this December.Another charter airline, UK-based Titan Airways, also operated an all-business-class 757 to Antarctica — this one carrying runners for the 2020 World Marathon Challenge.The jet, equipped with extended legs on the landing gear to help absorb the shock of the blue ice runway, landed at the Russian Antarctic research station called Novolazarevskaya.Loftleider Icelandic Airlines' and Titan Airways Boeing 767Titan Airways' Boeing 767 on Antarctica.Titan AirwaysAfter its successful missions using a 757, Loftleider Icelandic landed the first widebody Boeing 767 aircraft at Troll in January 2022.The Icelandair-branded jet carried 21 people from NPI, flying from Norway to Antarctica via a refueling and rest stop in Cape Town.A 767 returned again in February 2022 to drop off supplies and pick up Norwegian researchers heading home after the summer months.Also once flying the 767 to Antarctica was Titan, which served Russia's Novolazarevskaya station during the 2019-2020 season.Norse Atlantic Airways' Boeing 787The Norse Boeing 787 after its arrival in Antarctica.Norse Atlantic AirwaysOn November 15, European budget airline Norse Atlantic Airways made history when it landed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Antarctica — the first of its kind to make the trek.The aircraft ferried 45 Norwegian scientists and staff, as well as 12 tons of research equipment, to Antarctica's Troll research center on behalf of NPI.According to Flightradar24, Troll spends two weeks preparing for these giant aircraft. This includes repairing deficiencies in the runway and ensuring the surface has the right friction level to stop landing planes.Hi-Fly's Airbus A340The first Airbus A340 to land on Antarctica.Hi FlyThe Airbus A340 quad-engine jet made its first-ever landing in Antarctica in November 2021, being praised for its redundant four engines and long range.The plane, which was formerly owned by Emirates, was operated by Portuguese charter company Hi-Fly and flew supplies to luxury tour operator White Desert.The company runs an expedition camp on the seventh continent and operates its own ice runway called Wolf's Fang, which takes 22 hours to prep ahead of the A340 passenger landings, White Desert CEO Patrick Woodhead told Business Insider in February.The company offers one of the few Antarctic charter flights open to the public, with the cheapest rates starting at $14,500.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Mysterious Military Flights Between Israel, Lebanon Observed: Report Via The Cradle, Mysterious foreign military cargo flights, potentially carrying equipment for use against Hezbollah, continue to land at the Beirut and Hamat airports, Al-Akhbar reported on Tuesday. Between the 14th and 20th of November, nine planes from various NATO countries were recorded landing at Beirut and Hamat airports, including several flying from Tel Aviv, according to IntelSky, a website monitoring aircraft movement in the region. Sources speaking with Al-Akhbar said the cargo included devices used for jamming, which raises questions about the reason for their transport to Lebanon and whether they will be used to disrupt the communications network of Hezbollah in the event of an escalation of the fighting with Israel in Lebanon’s south. A US Air Force plane carrying weapons and equipment for the Lebanese army, arrives at a Lebanese air force base, in Beirut airport, Lebanon, February 13, 2019. Image: American Embassy in Lebanon via AP Since the October 7 Hamas attack on settlements surrounding Gaza, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 more taken captive, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in deadly tit-for-tat clashes on the Lebanese-Israel border area. Hezbollah’s communication network played a key role during the July 2006 war against Israel, which later led to US pressure on the government of then-Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to call for dismantling the resistance group’s communications network in 2008. The same sources speaking with Al-Akhbar confirmed that the security authorities at Beirut and Hamat airports do not seriously inspect the cargo of the planes that land, with Hamat Air Base lacking even a scanning device. The final destination of the cargo in Lebanon is also unknown. IntelSky reported that the movement of foreign military aircraft is proceeding at a level that Lebanon had not witnessed in years. Between October 8 and November 10, 32 planes landed, nine of which belonged to the US, Dutch, and British Air Forces and landed at the Hamat base, and 23 planes belonging to the US, French, Dutch, Spanish, Canadian, Italian, and Saudi armies landed at the base designated for military and diplomatic aircraft on the west side of Beirut Airport. Although Lebanese law prohibits direct flights between Lebanon and Israel, Intelsky monitored three planes landing at Beirut Airport originating in Tel Aviv. A British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas landed in Beirut on 14 November, coming from Tel Aviv. The plane carried out a “touch and go” operation (touching the runway and taking off directly without stopping) at a British military base in Cyprus to technically comply with Lebanese law banning direct flights from Israel. After taking off from Beirut, the plane returned to Tel Aviv after carrying out another touch-and-go operation at the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus. On November 16, a US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III also flew from Tel Aviv to Beirut. The Intelsky website recorded that the plane allegedly landed in Cyprus as well but disappeared from radars before landing and reappeared after the supposed take-off. The plane was absent from radars over Larnaca for 4 minutes at an altitude of 1,264 meters, suggesting it did not land in Cyprus. On November 21, a British Royal Air Force (Airbus A400M Atlas landed in Beirut after making only a camouflaged landing in Akrotiri, at an altitude of only 375 meters above the base, which means that the flight violated Lebanese law and was in effect a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Beirut. IDF releases footage of strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, in response to the attacks on northern Israel. It says the sites include a command center and other infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/Lar02yl8CN — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) November 21, 2023 It should be noted that daily flights between the Akrotiri base and Tel Aviv have been recorded since the outbreak of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation on October 7. Al-Akhbar notes these flights raise suspicions about whether these trips are part of a broader strategy related to the conflict with Israel and may be intended to enhance the military capabilities of some parties in the region working on behalf of Israel and NATO, or to provide them with logistical support that includes transporting necessary equipment and supplies. The Israeli army has not commented on the flight, except for a statement issued on November 10 confirming that “part of the air traffic at the airport is a routine movement to transfer military aid to the Lebanese army.” The statement was issued after the Intelsky website monitored the movement of foreign military aircraft at a level that Lebanon had not witnessed in years. Between the 8th of last October and the 10th of this month, 32 planes landed, 9 of which belonged to the American, Dutch, and British Air Forces and landed at the Hamat base, and 23 planes belonging to the American, French, Dutch, Spanish, Canadian, Italian, and Saudi armies landed at the base designated for military and diplomatic aircraft on the west side of Beirut Airport. Tyler Durden Tue, 11/21/2023 - 20:05.....»»

Budget carrier Norse Atlantic joined the Antarctic club when it flew a Boeing 787 with 45 passengers to the continent — a first for that model. The cabin crew standing in front of the Norse plane in Antarctica, where the Boeing 787 landed — the first time for this particular model.Norse Atlantic AirwaysA Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 45 passengers successfully landed in Antarctica — a first for that model.The widebody plane landed on a 3,000-yard-long landing strip of blue ice.Landing on the seventh continent is challenging due to the harsh weather and lack of infrastructure.Aviators have hailed a successful flight to Antarctica as a world first when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down at Troll Airfield on Wednesday night.European low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways was behind the flight, chartering 45 researchers and staff from the Norwegian Polar Institute, as well as 12 tons of research equipment.It's the first time a Boeing 787 has landed on the continent.Antarctica has no permanent residents due to its extreme cold, but about 4,000 people reside there during the summer months. The seventh continent also sees more than 100,000 tourists who arrive via plane or ship each season."In the spirit of exploration, we are proud to have a hand in this important and unique mission," Norse CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen said in a statement. "It is a true testament to our highly trained and skilled pilots and crew, and our state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft."Troll's 3,000-yard-long landing strip of blue ice is only open between October and March, and the process of maintaining and preparing it for aircraft is long and tedious.According to Flightradar24, teams spend two weeks removing snow, repairing any cracks or deficiencies in the runway, and adding a thin layer of crushed snow and ice to create the required friction for aircraft operations.The Norse Boeing 787 after its arrival in Antarctica.Norse Atlantic AirwaysCrews use heavy machinery like snow throwers and modified snow tractors for the task, with safety kept at the forefront."Each person [who will work on the airfield] goes through training in Svalbard [Norway] on much the same equipment before coming to the station," Troll operations manager Sven Lidström told Flightradar24 in 2021.With the arrival of Norse's 787, Norwegian Polar Institute Director Camilla Brekke said the successful flight would open up "entirely new possibilities for logistics at Troll," adding that using large and modern aircraft will also achieve environmental benefits by reducing the need for more frequent trips via smaller planes."This can help to reduce total emissions and the environmental footprint in Antarctica," she said.Norse joins the Antarctic clubThe first Airbus A340 to land on Antarctica, which flies tourists and supplies to and from the continent on behalf of luxury tour company White Desert.Hi FlyNorse isn't the only air carrier to land a large jetliner on Antarctica, with a handful of others also chartering adventurous individuals for both tourism and science.In November 2021, an Airbus A340 operated by Portuguese charter company Hi-Fly landed on the seventh continent, becoming the first of its type to make the trek.The jet, which landed on a different Antarctic runway called Wolf's Fang, carried camp supplies for luxury tour operator White Desert. The company still uses the plane to ferry cargo and tourists.Meanwhile, Icelandair's charter subsidiary Loftleider Icelandic Airlines landed a Boeing 757 in Antarctica in 2015 — another world first for that model. The carrier has since made more recent trips in 2021 and 2022 using a Boeing 767.Besides commercial flights, the barren continent also hosts aircraft operated by the US military, including C-17 Globemaster cargo jets and ski-equipped Lockheed LC-130s.A US Air Force C-17 in Antarctica.National Science FoundationAlthough all of these giant planes are capable of landing on Antarctica's icy runways, the operation is no small feat.According to Hi-Fly A340 captain Carlos Mirpuri, harsh weather conditions and the reflecting runway create added challenge and risk — meaning clear conditions and low winds must be present to safely land on the rugged glacial landing strip."There is also no visual glide slope guidance, and the blending of the runway with the surrounding terrain and the immense white desert around, makes height judgment challenging, to say the least," he said, noting the extensive pre-flight planning and preparation required.White Desert takes extreme precautions as well, with company CEO Patrick Woodhead telling Business Insider in February that it has a team of meteorologists to assess and monitor the weather.He further explained that, similar to Troll's weeks-long pre-flight preparations, White Desert spends 22 hours grooming its blue ice runway to ensure it has the "right friction level" to handle the mammoth A340.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

"Unbelievable": Navy plane with 9 on board overshoots runway in Hawaii, lands in water.....»»

Humans are fascinated by mysteries, whether they’re unsolved crimes, lost treasures, missing persons, vanished civilizations, or strange sounds from outer space. Every year, scientists are able to solve some of these mysteries, yet others only deepen. (These are the most mysterious places on earth.) 24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of some of the most […] The post 27 Mysteries That Have Left Experts Stumped and Baffled appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.. Humans are fascinated by mysteries, whether they’re unsolved crimes, lost treasures, missing persons, vanished civilizations, or strange sounds from outer space. Every year, scientists are able to solve some of these mysteries, yet others only deepen. (These are the most mysterious places on earth.) 24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of some of the most famous unsolved mysteries in the world, drawing information from various encyclopedias and media reports, as well as regional publications. The list is by no means comprehensive. We used editorial discretion to determine which mysteries have captivated the public’s interest the most and/or generated significant media coverage. Throughout history, whole cultures, including mighty empires, have seemingly vanished into thin air. They’ve often left buildings and artifacts behind, yet without the existence of a recorded history, we may never know what actually caused their decline. Other disappearances include planes that disappear in mid-air, as it were – since 1948, over 80 planes have been declared missing, according to the Aviation Safety Network – and people who are never seen again. (Here are the 25 most puzzling disappearances in American history.) Why did the Clovis people vanish? > When: 10,800-8800 B.C. > Where: Present-day Clovis, New Mexico One of the earliest American civilizations, the Clovis people inhabited expansive lands in North America, probably centered in New Mexico, migrating down to South America before mysteriously vanishing. Remains of their tools and weapons suggest they were highly sophisticated for their time. Some believe that they dispersed into smaller groups, while others insist that their reliance on hunting large mammals led to their demise as big game became scarce. What happened to the people of Çatalhöyük? > When: 5000 B.C. > Where: Present-day Turkey Çatalhöyük, one of the world’s oldest cities, flourished in modern-day south-central Turkey between 9,000 and 7,000 years ago before its inhabitants seemingly abandoned it, though no one knows why. The Neolithic city was unique for its hivelike structure, with houses constructed adjacent to each other and entered through roof holes. A wealth of artifacts detailing the inhabitants’ lives and rituals remain. Why did the Cucuteni-Trypillian culture burn down its houses? > When: 2700 B.C. > Where: Modern-day Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine The Cucuteni-Trypillian culture existed between 5400 and 2700 B.C. in present-day Eastern Europe. This early civilization relied on agriculture and was known for its artistry in sculpting and pottery. The society practiced a peculiar ritual of burning down their large, densely packed settlements every 60 to 80 years. Some theories suggest that this was a form of honoring their dead through mass cremation. Why did the Indus Valley civilization collapse? > When: 1900 B.C. > Where: Present-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan Also known as the Harappan civilization, the Indus civilization, flourishing between 3300 and 1900 B.C., was notable for its advanced urban planning and impressive architecture. Huge settlements including Mohenjo-daro housed tens of thousands of people. Several theories have been proposed as reasons for its collapse, including climate change, overpopulation, disease, and invasions. However, due to their as yet undeciphered writing system, the true cause remains elusive. What wiped out the Minoans? > When: 1000 B.C. > Where: Present-day Crete This Bronze Age civilization on the Greek island of Crete existed between appeared as early as 3000 B.C., predating the Golden Age of Athens and Alexander the Great. The Minoans were known for their advanced technologies, impressive arts, and vibrant pagan culture. Some historians suggest they might have been wiped out by a volcanic eruption in the nearby Santorini islands, while the Greek historian Heroditus claimed they were decimated by plagues. Where is the Ark of the Covenant? > When: 587 B.C. > Where: Jerusalem The Ark of the Covenant, the Israelite relic containing the stone tablets recording the 10 Commandments, disappeared in 586 or 587 B.C. when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and destroyed its repository, the First Temple. Multiple theories abound as to the Ark’s fate. Some suggest it was carried back to Babylon, while others claim it was hidden prior to the city’s capture, destroyed during the sacking of the city, or taken to Ethiopia, where it remains guarded to this day. What happened to the society of Tartessos? > When: 5th century B.C. > Where: Modern-day southwestern Spain The Tartessos civilization, believed to have thrived in the Iberian Peninsula between the 9th and 5th centuries B.C., comprised a mixture of indigenous people and Greek and Phoenician colonizers. The civilization was known for its wealth in metals, expansive trade, and advanced construction techniques. Theories about their disappearance include a potential earthquake and tsunami and societal tensions due to a slow-down in trade. Where did the Olmec people go? > When: 400 B.C. > Where: Central America The Olmecs, the earliest major Mesoamerican civilization, existed from 1200 to 400 B.C. They built pyramid-like temples and carved colossal stone heads. Besides these structures and artifacts, no trace of the Olmec people remains, not even bones, and the cause of their disappearance is unknown. Some suspect that the humid climate in the area caused their skeletons to rapidly decompose. Why was the city of Niya abandoned? > When: 400 B.C. > Where: Xinjiang province in China The Niya ruins in China mark the site of what was once a thriving city along the Silk Road – the trade route connecting China with Central Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was once a vibrant town full of culture, riches, and temples, but over time, the importance of the Silk Road waned, especially after the collapse of the Mongol Empire, possibly leading to the city’s abandonment. Where is the tomb of Alexander the Great? > When: 323 B.C. > Where: Possibly Egypt After conquering numerous lands, Alexander the Great fell ill and died in Babylon. His body, in a golden sarcophagus, was taken to Egypt and held in Memphis while a tomb was built in Alexandria. However, the exact location of the tomb has been lost to time. Some theories suggest it may have sunk beneath the sea, as it was built in a now-submerged district. Where were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon > When: 1st century B.C. > Where: Modern-day Iraq Ancient writers describe these gardens as one of the wonders of the world, with hanging plants cultivated on four floors of terraces. However, archaeologists haven’t found any physical evidence that these gardens existed. While some records report that they were destroyed by earthquakes in the 1st century B.C, another theory is that the gardens may have actually been located in the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Where is Cleopatra’s tomb? > When: 30 B.C. > Where: Present-day Egypt Cleopatra VII and her lover, Mark Antony, are said to have been buried together in a tomb near a temple of Isis after their deaths in 30 B.C. The tomb, however, has never been identified. Excavations at a site near Alexandria called Taposiris Magna, which contains tombs from Cleopatra’s era, did not uncover her burial place. Most archaeologists assume that it lies underwater in a now-submerged section of Alexandria. Why did the Maya abandon their cities? > When: 900 > Where: Yucatán Peninsula Spanning what is now Central America and Mexico, the Mayan empire was once an advanced civilization boasting such technological accomplishments as a calendar system, the use of mathematics, sophisticated agricultural practices, and urban planning. The civilization experienced a dramatic decline around 900. Some factors that may have contributed to their departure include ongoing war or climate change, decimating of their natural resources. Why was the city of Cahokia abandoned? > When: 1200 > Where: Present-day Illinois The Mississippian culture, known for its massive burial mounds, thrived in what is now the American Midwest starting around 700. The largest Mississippian city was Cahokia, home to as many as 20,000 residents. However, the city started declining around 1200, likely due to a disastrous flood, and everyone left. Other factors like overexploitation of resources, political unrest, diseases, and the Little Ice Age may have also contributed to its collapse. Why did the Ancestral Puebloans migrate? > When: 1300 > Where: Southwestern United States The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, built remarkable cliff dwellings in the arid Four Corners region of the U.S. during the 12th and 13th centuries. By 1300, however, they had abandoned the region. Researchers suggest deforestation, water management issues, and a long-term drought may have led to violence and chaos, which, along with religious and political upheaval, forced them to migrate south. Why did the Khmer empire dissolve? > When: 1431 > Where: Present-day Cambodia The Khmer empire, at its height between 1000 and 1200, was a dominant civilization in modern-day Cambodia. Angkor was its capital and one of its largest cities, with a population that may have reached a million, and astonishing temples, roads, and canals. Its demise has long been linked to the sacking of Angkor by the Ayutthaya Kingdom from neighboring Siam (Thailand), but modern historians are uncertain as to what finally ended its prominence, with environmental catastrophe, political instability, and economic decline proposed as alternate theories. Why did the Roanoke Colony disappear? > When: 1590 > Where: Modern-day North Carolina A group of 115 English settlers attempted to start a colony on an island off the coast of what is now North Carolina in 1587. When a ship of supplies arrived from England three years later, the settlers were nowhere to be found. The only clue as to their fate was the word “Croatoan” – the name of a nearby island – carved into a post. Theories suggest the settlers were killed or abducted by Native Americans, lost at sea, killed by Spaniards, or absorbed into a friendly tribe. Why did the Rapa Nui civilization collapse? > When: 18th century > Where: Easter Island The original inhabitants of Easter Island, one of the most remote places on earth, are a Polynesian society called the Rapa Nui, known for their construction of massive stone heads. Historians believe that excessive resource consumption and a rat infestation may have led to the society’s decline before the arrival of Europeans, which brought further destruction in the form of smallpox and slave trading. Some Rapa Nui migrated to other islands and mainland South America, and their numbers reached just 111 people by the late 19th century. Where is the lost Beale Ciphers treasure? > When: 1822 > Where: Bedford County, Virginia The Beale Ciphers, a series of coded messages, are the only clues to the whereabouts of a $60 million treasure allegedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia. The ciphers were given to a hotel proprietor by Thomas J. Beale in 1822. Who Beale was or how he accumulated his treasure are not known, and only one of the three ciphers has been decoded, revealing the treasure’s contents but not its location. Treasure hunters have spent countless hours searching for the gold, silver, and jewels, but the stash has yet to be found. Who was Jack the Ripper? > When: 1888 > Where: London “Jack the Ripper” is the name given to an unidentified serial killer who operated in London’s Whitechapel district in 1888. He murdered and mutilated five prostitutes, leading police to suspect he was a surgeon or butcher. The police received several letters detailing the crimes and taunting them for their failure to find him. Although many suspects have been proposed through the years – including artist Walter Sickert, author Lewis Carroll (of “Alice in Wonderland” fame), and even Prince Albert Victor, son of the future King Edward VII of England – the killer’s identity remains unknown. What happened to Amelia Earhart? > When: 1937 > Where: South Pacific Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, vanished in 1937 during a global flight attempt. With her disappearance remaining unsolved, theories include her crashing and drowning in the Pacific Ocean, landing on a remote island and perishing as a castaway, being captured by Japanese authorities, operating as a spy for the U.S. government, and even surviving capture and assuming a new identity in New Jersey. Where is the Amber Room? > When: 1941 > Where: Germany The Amber Room, a chamber decorated in amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors, was gifted to Peter the Great in 1716 to celebrate peace between Russia and Prussia. It was installed in a palace near Saint Petersburg and was considered an “eighth wonder of the world” until it was stolen by Nazi Germany during World War II. Although the room is known to have been on display in Königsberg during the war, its whereabouts are now a mystery. Where are missing Sodder children? > When: 1945 > Where: Fayetteville, West Virginia During a suspicious Christmas Eve house fire at an Italian family’s home in Fayetteville, West Virginia, four children escaped, while five were presumed dead. However, several irregularities, including a lack of remains, led their parents to believe they had actually been abducted, possibly due to their father’s outspoken criticism of Mussolini. Over the years, various tips and potential sightings of the children were reported, but none were confirmed. Where did Flight 19 go? > When: 1945 > Where: Coast of Florida Flight 19 refers to five U.S. Navy warplanes that vanished during a daytime training flight off Florida’s coast in December 1945. All 14 airmen on the warplanes and 13 crewmembers on a Navy flying boat sent to search for them were lost. No wreckage or bodies have ever been found. The incident is often linked to supernatural or UFO stories, and has contributed to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle. Did D.B. Cooper get away with the money? > When: 1971 > Where: Pacific Northwest After a man calling himself Dan Cooper boarded a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, he hijacked the plane, demanding a payment of $200,000 (about $1.4 million today) and four parachutes to be delivered when the plane landed. After a stop at Sea-Tac, where passengers deplaned and Cooper collected his ransom, the plane took off again towards Mexico. Somewhere along the route, Cooper parachuted out into the night with the cash. His body was never found, but $5,800 of the money was discovered in the Columbia River in 1980. Where did the Wow! signal come from? > When: 1977 > Where: Ohio Received in 1977, the Wow! Signal was an extremely loud radio signal close to 1420 MHz, a frequency associated with hydrogen, the universe’s most common element. The signal came from the direction of the Sagittarius constellation but its source remains unknown. Theories suggest it could be from a moving extraterrestrial intelligence, but it has never repeated, leaving its origin a mystery. What happened to Malaysian Airlines Flight 370? > When: 2014 > Where: Southern Indian Ocean Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on March 8, 2014 with more than 200 passengers on board. After a routine takeoff from Kuala Lumpur, the plane turned off course and veered toward the southern Indian Ocean. Despite an extensive international search, the aircraft remains missing, though debris believed to be from the plane was recovered from the water in 2017. The cause of the disappearance is still unclear, with some theories pointing to hijacking. However, no one has claimed responsibility for the incident. Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. The post 27 Mysteries That Have Left Experts Stumped and Baffled appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.......»»

Humans are fascinated by mysteries, whether they’re unsolved crimes, lost treasures, missing persons, vanished civilizations, or strange sounds from outer space. Every year, scientists are able to solve some of these mysteries, yet others only deepen. (These are the most mysterious places on earth.) 24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of some of the most […] The post 27 of the World’s Biggest Unsolved Mysteries appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.. Humans are fascinated by mysteries, whether they’re unsolved crimes, lost treasures, missing persons, vanished civilizations, or strange sounds from outer space. Every year, scientists are able to solve some of these mysteries, yet others only deepen. (These are the most mysterious places on earth.) 24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of some of the most famous unsolved mysteries in the world, drawing information from various encyclopedias and media reports, as well as regional publications. The list is by no means comprehensive. We used editorial discretion to determine which mysteries have captivated the public’s interest the most and/or generated significant media coverage. Throughout history, whole cultures, including mighty empires, have seemingly vanished into thin air. They’ve often left buildings and artifacts behind, yet without the existence of a recorded history, we may never know what actually caused their decline. Other disappearances include planes that disappear in mid-air, as it were – since 1948, over 80 planes have been declared missing, according to the Aviation Safety Network – and people who are never seen again. (Here are the 25 most puzzling disappearances in American history.) Why did the Clovis people vanish? > When: 10,800-8800 B.C. > Where: Present-day Clovis, New Mexico One of the earliest American civilizations, the Clovis people inhabited expansive lands in North America, probably centered in New Mexico, migrating down to South America before mysteriously vanishing. Remains of their tools and weapons suggest they were highly sophisticated for their time. Some believe that they dispersed into smaller groups, while others insist that their reliance on hunting large mammals led to their demise as big game became scarce. What happened to the people of Çatalhöyük? > When: 5000 B.C. > Where: Present-day Turkey Çatalhöyük, one of the world’s oldest cities, flourished in modern-day south-central Turkey between 9,000 and 7,000 years ago before its inhabitants seemingly abandoned it, though no one knows why. The Neolithic city was unique for its hivelike structure, with houses constructed adjacent to each other and entered through roof holes. A wealth of artifacts detailing the inhabitants’ lives and rituals remain. Why did the Cucuteni-Trypillian culture burn down its houses? > When: 2700 B.C. > Where: Modern-day Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine The Cucuteni-Trypillian culture existed between 5400 and 2700 B.C. in present-day Eastern Europe. This early civilization relied on agriculture and was known for its artistry in sculpting and pottery. The society practiced a peculiar ritual of burning down their large, densely packed settlements every 60 to 80 years. Some theories suggest that this was a form of honoring their dead through mass cremation. Why did the Indus Valley civilization collapse? > When: 1900 B.C. > Where: Present-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan Also known as the Harappan civilization, the Indus civilization, flourishing between 3300 and 1900 B.C., was notable for its advanced urban planning and impressive architecture. Huge settlements including Mohenjo-daro housed tens of thousands of people. Several theories have been proposed as reasons for its collapse, including climate change, overpopulation, disease, and invasions. However, due to their as yet undeciphered writing system, the true cause remains elusive. What wiped out the Minoans? > When: 1000 B.C. > Where: Present-day Crete This Bronze Age civilization on the Greek island of Crete existed between appeared as early as 3000 B.C., predating the Golden Age of Athens and Alexander the Great. The Minoans were known for their advanced technologies, impressive arts, and vibrant pagan culture. Some historians suggest they might have been wiped out by a volcanic eruption in the nearby Santorini islands, while the Greek historian Heroditus claimed they were decimated by plagues. Where is the Ark of the Covenant? > When: 587 B.C. > Where: Jerusalem The Ark of the Covenant, the Israelite relic containing the stone tablets recording the 10 Commandments, disappeared in 586 or 587 B.C. when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and destroyed its repository, the First Temple. Multiple theories abound as to the Ark’s fate. Some suggest it was carried back to Babylon, while others claim it was hidden prior to the city’s capture, destroyed during the sacking of the city, or taken to Ethiopia, where it remains guarded to this day. What happened to the society of Tartessos? > When: 5th century B.C. > Where: Modern-day southwestern Spain The Tartessos civilization, believed to have thrived in the Iberian Peninsula between the 9th and 5th centuries B.C., comprised a mixture of indigenous people and Greek and Phoenician colonizers. The civilization was known for its wealth in metals, expansive trade, and advanced construction techniques. Theories about their disappearance include a potential earthquake and tsunami and societal tensions due to a slow-down in trade. Where did the Olmec people go? > When: 400 B.C. > Where: Central America The Olmecs, the earliest major Mesoamerican civilization, existed from 1200 to 400 B.C. They built pyramid-like temples and carved colossal stone heads. Besides these structures and artifacts, no trace of the Olmec people remains, not even bones, and the cause of their disappearance is unknown. Some suspect that the humid climate in the area caused their skeletons to rapidly decompose. Why was the city of Niya abandoned? > When: 400 B.C. > Where: Xinjiang province in China The Niya ruins in China mark the site of what was once a thriving city along the Silk Road – the trade route connecting China with Central Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was once a vibrant town full of culture, riches, and temples, but over time, the importance of the Silk Road waned, especially after the collapse of the Mongol Empire, possibly leading to the city’s abandonment. Where is the tomb of Alexander the Great? > When: 323 B.C. > Where: Possibly Egypt After conquering numerous lands, Alexander the Great fell ill and died in Babylon. His body, in a golden sarcophagus, was taken to Egypt and held in Memphis while a tomb was built in Alexandria. However, the exact location of the tomb has been lost to time. Some theories suggest it may have sunk beneath the sea, as it was built in a now-submerged district. Where were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon > When: 1st century B.C. > Where: Modern-day Iraq Ancient writers describe these gardens as one of the wonders of the world, with hanging plants cultivated on four floors of terraces. However, archaeologists haven’t found any physical evidence that these gardens existed. While some records report that they were destroyed by earthquakes in the 1st century B.C, another theory is that the gardens may have actually been located in the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Where is Cleopatra’s tomb? > When: 30 B.C. > Where: Present-day Egypt Cleopatra VII and her lover, Mark Antony, are said to have been buried together in a tomb near a temple of Isis after their deaths in 30 B.C. The tomb, however, has never been identified. Excavations at a site near Alexandria called Taposiris Magna, which contains tombs from Cleopatra’s era, did not uncover her burial place. Most archaeologists assume that it lies underwater in a now-submerged section of Alexandria. Why did the Maya abandon their cities? > When: 900 > Where: Yucatán Peninsula Spanning what is now Central America and Mexico, the Mayan empire was once an advanced civilization boasting such technological accomplishments as a calendar system, the use of mathematics, sophisticated agricultural practices, and urban planning. The civilization experienced a dramatic decline around 900. Some factors that may have contributed to their departure include ongoing war or climate change, decimating of their natural resources. Why was the city of Cahokia abandoned? > When: 1200 > Where: Present-day Illinois The Mississippian culture, known for its massive burial mounds, thrived in what is now the American Midwest starting around 700. The largest Mississippian city was Cahokia, home to as many as 20,000 residents. However, the city started declining around 1200, likely due to a disastrous flood, and everyone left. Other factors like overexploitation of resources, political unrest, diseases, and the Little Ice Age may have also contributed to its collapse. Why did the Ancestral Puebloans migrate? > When: 1300 > Where: Southwestern United States The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, built remarkable cliff dwellings in the arid Four Corners region of the U.S. during the 12th and 13th centuries. By 1300, however, they had abandoned the region. Researchers suggest deforestation, water management issues, and a long-term drought may have led to violence and chaos, which, along with religious and political upheaval, forced them to migrate south. Why did the Khmer empire dissolve? > When: 1431 > Where: Present-day Cambodia The Khmer empire, at its height between 1000 and 1200, was a dominant civilization in modern-day Cambodia. Angkor was its capital and one of its largest cities, with a population that may have reached a million, and astonishing temples, roads, and canals. Its demise has long been linked to the sacking of Angkor by the Ayutthaya Kingdom from neighboring Siam (Thailand), but modern historians are uncertain as to what finally ended its prominence, with environmental catastrophe, political instability, and economic decline proposed as alternate theories. Why did the Roanoke Colony disappear? > When: 1590 > Where: Modern-day North Carolina A group of 115 English settlers attempted to start a colony on an island off the coast of what is now North Carolina in 1587. When a ship of supplies arrived from England three years later, the settlers were nowhere to be found. The only clue as to their fate was the word “Croatoan” – the name of a nearby island – carved into a post. Theories suggest the settlers were killed or abducted by Native Americans, lost at sea, killed by Spaniards, or absorbed into a friendly tribe. Why did the Rapa Nui civilization collapse? > When: 18th century > Where: Easter Island The original inhabitants of Easter Island, one of the most remote places on earth, are a Polynesian society called the Rapa Nui, known for their construction of massive stone heads. Historians believe that excessive resource consumption and a rat infestation may have led to the society’s decline before the arrival of Europeans, which brought further destruction in the form of smallpox and slave trading. Some Rapa Nui migrated to other islands and mainland South America, and their numbers reached just 111 people by the late 19th century. Where is the lost Beale Ciphers treasure? > When: 1822 > Where: Bedford County, Virginia The Beale Ciphers, a series of coded messages, are the only clues to the whereabouts of a $60 million treasure allegedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia. The ciphers were given to a hotel proprietor by Thomas J. Beale in 1822. Who Beale was or how he accumulated his treasure are not known, and only one of the three ciphers has been decoded, revealing the treasure’s contents but not its location. Treasure hunters have spent countless hours searching for the gold, silver, and jewels, but the stash has yet to be found. Who was Jack the Ripper? > When: 1888 > Where: London “Jack the Ripper” is the name given to an unidentified serial killer who operated in London’s Whitechapel district in 1888. He murdered and mutilated five prostitutes, leading police to suspect he was a surgeon or butcher. The police received several letters detailing the crimes and taunting them for their failure to find him. Although many suspects have been proposed through the years – including artist Walter Sickert, author Lewis Carroll (of “Alice in Wonderland” fame), and even Prince Albert Victor, son of the future King Edward VII of England – the killer’s identity remains unknown. What happened to Amelia Earhart? > When: 1937 > Where: South Pacific Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, vanished in 1937 during a global flight attempt. With her disappearance remaining unsolved, theories include her crashing and drowning in the Pacific Ocean, landing on a remote island and perishing as a castaway, being captured by Japanese authorities, operating as a spy for the U.S. government, and even surviving capture and assuming a new identity in New Jersey. Where is the Amber Room? > When: 1941 > Where: Germany The Amber Room, a chamber decorated in amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors, was gifted to Peter the Great in 1716 to celebrate peace between Russia and Prussia. It was installed in a palace near Saint Petersburg and was considered an “eighth wonder of the world” until it was stolen by Nazi Germany during World War II. Although the room is known to have been on display in Königsberg during the war, its whereabouts are now a mystery. Where are missing Sodder children? > When: 1945 > Where: Fayetteville, West Virginia During a suspicious Christmas Eve house fire at an Italian family’s home in Fayetteville, West Virginia, four children escaped, while five were presumed dead. However, several irregularities, including a lack of remains, led their parents to believe they had actually been abducted, possibly due to their father’s outspoken criticism of Mussolini. Over the years, various tips and potential sightings of the children were reported, but none were confirmed. Where did Flight 19 go? > When: 1945 > Where: Coast of Florida Flight 19 refers to five U.S. Navy warplanes that vanished during a daytime training flight off Florida’s coast in December 1945. All 14 airmen on the warplanes and 13 crewmembers on a Navy flying boat sent to search for them were lost. No wreckage or bodies have ever been found. The incident is often linked to supernatural or UFO stories, and has contributed to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle. Did D.B. Cooper get away with the money? > When: 1971 > Where: Pacific Northwest After a man calling himself Dan Cooper boarded a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, he hijacked the plane, demanding a payment of $200,000 (about $1.4 million today) and four parachutes to be delivered when the plane landed. After a stop at Sea-Tac, where passengers deplaned and Cooper collected his ransom, the plane took off again towards Mexico. Somewhere along the route, Cooper parachuted out into the night with the cash. His body was never found, but $5,800 of the money was discovered in the Columbia River in 1980. Where did the Wow! signal come from? > When: 1977 > Where: Ohio Received in 1977, the Wow! Signal was an extremely loud radio signal close to 1420 MHz, a frequency associated with hydrogen, the universe’s most common element. The signal came from the direction of the Sagittarius constellation but its source remains unknown. Theories suggest it could be from a moving extraterrestrial intelligence, but it has never repeated, leaving its origin a mystery. What happened to Malaysian Airlines Flight 370? > When: 2014 > Where: Southern Indian Ocean Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on March 8, 2014 with more than 200 passengers on board. After a routine takeoff from Kuala Lumpur, the plane turned off course and veered toward the southern Indian Ocean. Despite an extensive international search, the aircraft remains missing, though debris believed to be from the plane was recovered from the water in 2017. The cause of the disappearance is still unclear, with some theories pointing to hijacking. However, no one has claimed responsibility for the incident. Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. The post 27 of the World’s Biggest Unsolved Mysteries appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.......»»