Thirty-eight years ago today, tragedy struck at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus when Northwest Flight 255 crashed shortly after takeoff, bound for Phoenix.
At 8:46 p.m., the plane began to lift off but tilted slightly. Its left wing struck a light pole, and the aircraft tore through the top of a rental car building. Within moments, it left a half-mile trail of wreckage along Middlebelt Road, including bodies, charred debris, and scattered belongings.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the crash was caused by the flight crew failing to set the wing flaps properly for takeoff. Investigators also noted that the cockpit warning system did not alert the crew to the problem.
A total of 155 people were on the aircraft, including 148 passengers and six crew members. Only one person survived—4-year-old Cecelia Cichan. She endured severe burns, multiple fractures, and a long recovery that included several skin graft surgeries. Cecelia went on to be raised by relatives, graduate from college, marry, and build a successful life. Her parents and brother were among those who died.
In all, 156 lives were lost that night—154 on the plane and two people in a car near the crash site.
