On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people. It was the world's deadliest ever ballooning disaster until February 2013, when a balloon accident near Luxor, Egypt killed 19 people. As of May 2023, it remains the deadliest ever ballooning accident in Australia, and the third-deadliest worldwide, surpassed only by the Egypt crash and a balloon accident in Texas in 2016 that claimed the lives of 16 people.
Two hot-air balloons crash at Alice Springs, Australia, killing 13 people
On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people.
Historical Significance
On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people.
Events Before
Czech-born tennis star Hana Mandlíková becomes an Australian Citizen
Czech-born tennis star Hana Mandlíková becomes an Australian Citizen
English Earl of St Andrews George Windsor marries Canadian academic Sylvana Tomaselli
English Earl of St Andrews George Windsor marries Canadian academic Sylvana Tomaselli
Panamanian General Manuel Noriega is indicted by a US federal grand jury for drug trafficking and racketeering
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno was a Panamanian military officer and politician who was the de facto ruler of Panama from 1983 to 1989.
The Soviet Union begins withdrawing its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan
The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, later known as the Republic of Afghanistan, was the Afghan state from 1978 to 1992.
Britain's Parliament passes Section 28 as law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality. Repealed in 2001/2004.
Section 28 refers to a part of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales "shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material...
Events After
Alan Hale Jr. dies
Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
More from the 1980s
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall falls as East Germany opens its borders, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.
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Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger breaks apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members in one of the most devastating disasters in space exploration history.
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The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the
The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoff, setting numerous playoff scoring records
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Bill Veeck dies
Bill Veeck baseball executive, known for american baseball executive, died on 1986-01-02. William Louis Veeck Jr.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 13, 1989?
- On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people. It was the world's deadliest ever ballooning disaster until February 2013, when a balloon accident near Luxor, Egypt killed 19 people. As of May 2023, it remains the deadliest ever ballooning accident in Australia, and the third-deadliest worldwide, surpassed only by the Egypt crash and a balloon accident in Texas in 2016 that claimed the lives of 16 people.
- Why is Two hot-air balloons crash at Alice Springs, Australia, killing 13 people significant?
- On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people.