Into the Night: The Mysterious Fall of Flight 266

In January 1969, United Air Lines Flight 266, a Boeing 727, embarked on a routine journey from Los Angeles International Airport. But within moments of takeoff, a cascade of electrical failures turned a steady ascent into a tragic high-speed plunge into the Pacific Ocean, claiming the lives of all 38 aboard.

This episode explores the painstaking investigation that followed, revealing how a combination of mechanical malfunctions, procedural gaps, and disorientation sealed the fate of Flight 266. Why did all three electrical generators fail, leaving the aircraft without critical instruments during a nighttime departure? And how did the crew's desperate attempts to restore power expose deeper systemic issues?

Join us as we unravel this tragedy through the lens of the National Transportation Safety Board's findings. From the mystery of the non-functioning standby systems to the life-saving recommendations that emerged, this story is a sobering reminder of the high stakes of aviation and the relentless quest for safety. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most enigmatic crashes of its time