Grand Canyon Airliner Collision To Be Commemorated

Above, the general area where the two airliners fell after the collision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four days from today will be the 70th anniversary of the airline collision over the Grand Canyon. Commemoration events will take place.

The mid-air collision of two airliners led to the formation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

According to the Grand Canyon Historical Society:

On June 30, 2026, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 mid-air collision will be recognized with a memorial service at Grand Canyon. This will be an all-day event starting at 9 a.m. at the Desert View Overlook amphitheater.  First, talks at the overlook. Next, a visit to the Pioneer Cemetery in Grand Canyon Village. At 3 p.m. an "Ask The Experts" panel will present at Shrine of the Ages. The days event will end at 6 p.m.

On July 1, a visit to Flagstaff Citizens’ Cemetery from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. where victims will be recognized who perished on TWA Flight 2. There will be lectures given and a time for questions and answers.

Join us to recognize this tragic, historic event. The Patrons of the 1956 Midair Collision is the primary organizer of this event.

If one visits the Desert View Overlook at Grand Canyon National Park, they will see permanent plaques detailing the tragedy. 

Above, the description of the tragedy at Desert View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Wikipedia:

On June 30, 1956, a Lockheed L-1049A Super Constellation operating as TWA Flight 2, was struck by a Douglas DC-7 Mainliner operating as United Air Lines Flight 718 over Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The Constellation fell into the canyon, while the DC-7 slammed into a cliff. All 128 people on board both aircraft died, making it the first commercial airline incident to exceed one hundred fatalities. Both aircraft had departed Los Angeles International Airport minutes apart from each other and headed for Chicago and Kansas City, respectively. The collision took place in uncontrolled airspace, where it was the pilots' responsibility to maintain separation ("see and be seen"). This highlighted the antiquated state of air traffic control, which became the focus of major aviation reforms.

 

Above, the memorial plaque at Desert View overlook. Photo by Armand Vaquer.